Ida Piedmonte, Ph.D.

In inorganic chemistry we often focus on the atoms directly attached to a metal center, but the surrounding molecules matter too. Even though these species are not attached to the metal, they can still influence its properties by affecting the distribution of charge and the local chemical environment. In simple terms, what is around a metal can be almost as important as what is directly bonded to it.

My research broadly focuses on understanding the influence of these outer-sphere interactions (polarization effects and H-bonding) on inner-sphere characteristics (oxidation state and speciation) applied to two critical issues facing society: (1) sustaining clean energy systems, and (2) managing metal pollutants in the environment. Towards (1), we employ X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermal analysis to enable quantitative characterization of metal oxidation state, coordination environment and salt stability as a function of the outer-sphere. Towards (2), consider that some of the most important environmental disasters, such as chemical release in Lake Erie, involve inorganic pollution. The fate and transport of these pollutants is directly related to their oxidation state and speciation as they interact with the surface of negatively charged soil particles. We will characterize H-bonding and oxidation state of metal aquo complexes on the surfaces of a series of binary alkaline earth oxides to model these interactions.

Student researches learn basic principles of chemistry such as oxidation states, bonding, and intermolecular forces, as well as advanced applications of spectroscopy and electronic structure. On a fundamental level, one of the most satisfying aspects of inorganic chemistry is the characterization of chemical properties as a function of location on the periodic table. We hope to provide a basis to quickly rationalize how outer-sphere effects influence metal characteristics based on periodic trends. The ability to quantify and predict these interactions has the potential to arm the next generation of scientists with vital intel to address fundamental shortcomings in (1) global energy and (2) environmental remediation.