Overview of Research Program
The Larsen group research in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa (UI) focuses on magnetic resonance spectroscopy, zeolites, and applications for these materials in catalysis. The three main areas of research are:
1) Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocrystalline Zeolites and Zeolite Structures
2) Applications of Nanocrystalline Zeolites and Zeolite Structures
3) Magnetic Resonance Studies (NMR and EPR)
Future Directions
Future directions for my research program involve developing the bifunctional capabilities for nanocrystalline zeolites such that the internal and external surfaces are utilized for different purposes. For example, a catalytic application where a molecule reacts on the external surface and then diffuses to the interior surface and reacts again or drug delivery where the internal and external surfaces contain a molecule used in imaging and a drug molecule, respectively. Functionalization of nanocrystalline zeolites and zeolite structures will be developed so that these materials can be tailored for specific applications. Drug and gene delivery will be explored, as well as the toxicity of nanocrystalline zeolites and functionalized zeolites. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy will be used to elucidate the fundamental surface chemistry and surface reactivity of nanocrystalline zeolites and zeolite structures through in-situ NMR and EPR experiments. The experimental work will be complemented by DFT calculations of EPR and NMR parameters that will allow us to obtain structure/function information.