A graduate of University of Detroit Mercy, with a degree in Biochemistry, Rachel synthesized many compounds for us this summer.

Extended Bispyridines: an Approach to Molecular Wires; Rachel Beltman and Dr. Thomas Guarr

Recently, redox flow batteries (RFBs) have been intensively researched for grid-level energy storage applications. In addition to offering an inexpensive option for long term storage, this technology also provides a means to achieve the load leveling required to effectively utilize renewable sources of energy. Bispyridinium compounds are of interest in RFBs because they offer reasonable voltages, good stability, and relatively high energy densities. We have developed a series of extended bispyridinium systems that incorporate p-phenylene (or longer) bridges can also be used as anolyte materials.

The extension of the π system in such compounds allows for an increase in cell voltage, along with a corresponding improvement in energy density. Stability is also improved because the ability to accept two electrons and achieve a stable, closed shell reduced state helps to avoid the buildup of less stable radical intermediates. In this study, the effects of substituent choice and bridge length on cell potential, molecular weight, durability, and ease of synthesis are explored.

Rachel has proven herself to be quite talented at organic synthesis, and she is continuing her studies at Wayne State this fall to pursue a doctorate in Organic Chemistry.  We appreciate all of your contributions this summer, Rachel.  Enjoy your time at Wayne State.

Anna-Catharina came to the OESL with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Michigan Technological University.  She spent time this summer pinning down the degradation pathways of some of our redox shuttle compounds.

Fragmentation Analysis of Labeled Phenothiazines via Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry; Anna-Catharina Wilhelm and Thomas F. Guarr

The incorporation of organic compounds that display reversible electrochemical oxidation at very high potentials into lithium batteries has been shown to prevent dangerous overcharge conditions.  In order to better understand possible degradation pathways of such compounds (typically called “redox shuttles”), their breakdown was examined by mass spectrometry.  Previous studies of shuttle stability have been limited to empirical testing, modeling, or very limited analysis of reaction products.  In this project, ion trap mass spectrometry was used to explore the sequential fragmentation of several deuterium labeled compounds that are good candidates for such applications.  Using this approach, it was possible to selectively isolate and fragment both the oxidized (cation radical) and protonated forms of the parent compound.  Careful analysis of the data clearly shows that these two species break down by different mechanisms.  The results will aid in the design of more durable second-generation redox shuttles.

Anna-Catharina is beginning her PhD pursuit at the University of British Columbia this fall.  Best wishes for your future Anna!  Keep on running and enjoy our neighbor to the north.

Korey Cook was interviewed and wrote an article for the Michigan State University 360 Perspective.  Thanks Korey, we are excited about your future, too!

http://msutoday.msu.edu/360/2017/korey-cook-working-toward-a-sustainable-energy-future/

Amber Prins has been a researcher with the OESL lab for more than two years.  She started as a summer intern in 2015 and has continued on and contributed much to the lab with her smiling, outspoken personality along with her research.  Among her accomplishments, she has presented several posters, given talks at the ACS National Meeting and the Schaap Symposium and her name is on a patent involving redox shuttles.  She is a 2015 graduate of Hope College and is continuing her studies this fall with a graduate fellowship in the PhD program in Chemistry (with research emphasis in chemical education) at the University of Southern Florida.  Amber has also recently become Mrs. Amber Dood.  Amber has a very bright future ahead of her and we wish her all the best.  We will miss you!  Enjoy Florida and good luck with your future.

Thanks for visiting #MSURoadTrip, it was fun.

Hope College recently hosted the Schaap Symposium; a two day symposium featuring speakers and students from universities all over the country.  They generously invited our Organic Energy Storage Lab to participate.  Our researchers presented six posters and Amber Prins spoke to attendees about “Organic Materials for Energy Storage: Exploiting Steric Strain to Tune Oxidation Potentials”.  Our appreciation goes out to Hope College and Dr. Jason Gillmore for an excellent and notable symposium.

In June, we were given an excellent tour of the New Holland Brewery by Andrew Heyboer.  It was a very popular tour, enjoyed by all.  Beer is drinkable chemistry.  Thank you Andrew and thank you to Anna Wilhelm for the pictures.

We visited LG Chem Holland and they treated our group to a fantastic tour of their facilities.  As battery researchers, seeing the production and assembly of the finished product is fascinating and gratifying.

Thanks to LG Chem and all of the people there that took the time for us.

OESL researchers will be presenting posters at the Hope College Schaap Symposium.

https://hope.edu/academics/chemistry/schaap-chemistry-symposium.html

If you are interested in meeting them and learning more about their research, the poster session is open to the public.  Posters are in the Haworth ballrooms at 9:15 on Friday morning.

Stay tuned for more information about them and their research.

We recently toured the Holland Energy Park’s new natural gas fired generating facility.  Thanks very much for an excellent, informative tour.  It is an extremely clean, well-planned facility that is a great addition to this community.  Here we are on top of the cooling tower platform…