Home > Science Seminar > Fall 2006 Seminar Schedule > Ligands
The Science Seminar Series: October 26, 2006 4pm
Ligands for Actinide Selective Systems for Environmental Extraction and Sensing Applications
Dr. Anne E. V. Gorden
Dept of Chemistry
Auburn University
Powell Hall AuditoriumTime: 4:00 - 5:00pm
Abstract
A resurgence of interest in the coordination chemistry of the f-elements has been inspired not only by a need to assuage environmental concerns, but also to address the potential hazards of radiological weapons or the sabotage of reactor sites and the need to improve methods for reprocessing reactor materials. New ligands and materials are required that can coordinate, sense, manipulate, and purify actinides both for separations and waste reduction in addition to sensors, “sensing” polymers, sprays, or pastes to detect and isolate actinides in decontamination applications. Molecular recognition strategies to develop sensors or waste protection methods for actinides will provide valuable tools as we seek to develop new technologies that will assuage our waste concerns while still being able to take advantage of the unique properties of these materials. Crucial to the expansion of our knowledge in these areas is the development of appropriate novel coordination ligands. In particular, this research will focus on the study of new ligands based on salen or quinoxaline backbones for use in sensors and waste remediation of actinides. Understanding the chemical behavior of these systems will contribute to our understanding of actinide transport, environmental uptake, or decontamination strategies.