Machan Research Group

Inorganic chemistry focused on catalysis related to energy, electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry, and materials chemistry

Lab

News

Paper with Hilinski Group Highlighted by A&S and EurekAlert!

Mon, 04/15/2024

Russ Bahorsky has written a highlight of our collaborative work with the Hilinski group, that recently appeared in JACS!

The highlight is live on EurkeAlert! as well!

Video Highlight of Research from UVA VPR

Fri, 04/12/2024

As a part of the Research Communications Fellow program, Charles has recorded a video highlighting the current work in the group!

Collaboration with Hilinski Lab Published in JACS!

Fri, 03/15/2024

Congratulations to Emma, who collaborated with Anna Davis of Mike Hilinski's group, on publishing her study on electrifying an organocatalyst for dioxygen reduction in JACS!

Emma and Ian's paper published in Chemical Science!

Tue, 02/13/2024

Graduate researcher Emma and former undergraduate researcher Ian had their paper on Mn-based ORR catalysts with pendent relays published in Chemical Science as an Edge Article recently, congratulations!

Collaborative Papers Published in J. Chem. Phys. and ACS Applied Material Interfaces!

Mon, 11/20/2023

Collaborative papers with the Giri Group in UVA Chemical Engineering and Prof. Dan Harrison at VMI have appeared online! Congratulations to all the authors!

Verma, P.K.; Koellner, C.A.; Hall, H.; Phister, M.R.; Stone, K.H.; Nichols, A.W.; Dhakal, A.; Ashcraft, E.; Machan, C.W.; Giri, G. “Solution Shearing of Zirconium (Zr)-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks NU-901 and MOF-525 Thin Films for Electrocatalytic Reduction Applications” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2023, DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c12011.

Reid, A.G.; Moberg, M.E.; Koellner, C.A.; Machan, C.W.#; Thornton, D.A.; Dickenson, J.C.; Stober, J.J.; Turner, D.A.; Tarring, T.J.; Brown, C.A.; Harrison, D.P.# “Sterically Attenuated Electronic Communication in Cobalt Complexes of Meridional Isoquinoline-Derived Ligands for Applications in Electrocatalysis” J. Chem. Phys. 2023, DOI: 10.1063/5.0174177.

Connor's Paper Published in Chem Commun!

Tue, 04/25/2023

Congratulations to Connor, who (with help from Amelia) has published a paper in Chem. Commun. on the use of a dibenzophosphole oxide as a redox mediator! Our interest in the dibenzothiophene dioxide redox mediator platform led us to explore a related phosphorus-based system. The phosphine-based mediator coordinates the Cr center relatively more strongly than the sulfur-based one, but loses some specifcity in its binding orientation. 

Emma Recognized by ACS DIC and Jefferson Scholars Program

Thu, 03/23/2023

Current 4th year graduate student Emma Cook has received one of the Young Investigator Awards from the American Chemical Society's Division of Inorganic Chemistry. Emma will present on her research and receive an Award at the Fall ACS Meeting in San Francisco.

Emma has also received a Jefferson Scholars Foundation Dissertation Year Fellowship. The Fellowship will support her financially over the next year, including travel funds and office space in the Jeffer Scholars Foundation Fellows Center.

Congratulations Emma!

Congratulations to Amelia on her paper in Organometallics!

Wed, 03/01/2023

Congratulations to a team led by Amelia on their publication in the Organometallics Special Issue on Early Transition Metals in Organometallic Chemistry! They studied how dispersion interactions and pancake bonding in co-electrocatalytic systems can be altered by the catalyst ligand backbone.

Amelia's Perspective is Live in JACS!

Wed, 01/18/2023

Amelia's Perspective on homogeneous co-electrocatalysis is now live in J. Am. Chem. Soc.! The current status of the field is described and analyzed; future areas of study of potential interest to the broader field are also described. Congratulations!!

Lab

22F CHEM4320 Video Projects

Thu, 12/15/2022

 

 

Congrats to Julia on her Paper in Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers!

Mon, 12/12/2022

Congratulations to former undergraduate researcher Julia Dressel (currently at Stanford with Waymouth Group) on the publication of her work on Ni-catalyzed hydrogen evolution, catalyzed by a molecular complex, in Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers! Mechanistic and computational studies detail the important interactions between the Ni complex and the proton donor, which shift the effective catalytic potential under operating conditions. This manuscript appeared as a part of Frontiers Emerging Investigators Series.

Amelia's Paper on CrN3O CO2RR is Published in Inorganic Chemistry!

Wed, 10/19/2022

Congratulations to Amelia, whose paper on the CO2RR activity of a CrN3O complex is now published in Inorganic Chemistry. Expanding the polypyridine increases the strength of electronic coupling between the ligand and Cr center, with consequences on the mechanism! Thanks to Dr. Shelby L. Hooe and Dr. Juan J. Moreno for contributing to the experimental and computational results, as well as Dr. Diane Dickie for expert crystallographic work!

Congratulations to Emma on her Feature Article in ChemComm!

Tue, 09/27/2022

Emma's Feature Article on "Homogeneous Catalysis of Dioxygen Reduction by Molecular Mn Complexes" is now online in ChemComm. The current state of molecular complexes with catalytic ORR function is discussed, with analysis and suggestions for future designs. Congratulations!

Research Associate Position Available

Fri, 09/09/2022

The Machan Laboratory at the University of Virginia has an opening for a creative and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate interested in exploring the hydrogen evolution reaction under basic conditions with porphyrinic metal complexes.

The research associate will engage in cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research that integrates synthesis of porphyrinic ligands and complexes, isolation and characterization of key intermediates, spectrochemical studies, and electroanalytical experiments in homogeneous and heterogeneous configurations. The research associate will receive training in electrocatalysis and spectroelectrochemistry. Example projects include the design, synthesis, and mechanistic characterization of new porphyrinic complexes for HER under basic conditions and collaboration to integrate these into Hydroxide Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers (HEMELs). Learn more about the Machan Lab at https://machangroup.virginia.edu/.

QUALIFICATIONS: Completion of a PhD degree in Chemistry or a related discipline is required at time of appointment. Published expertise in at least one of the following areas is required: synthetic inorganic chemistry, homogeneous catalysis, electrochemistry, small molecule activation, or organometallic chemistry. Experience in the synthesis of dipyrrinic or porphyrinic ligands and corresponding metal complexes is highly desirable. The project requires strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills as the candidate is expected to play a prominent role in the laboratory as a mentor for both graduate and undergraduate students and assist in the set-up, organization, and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs for R0040132 Research Associate in Chemistry and attach

  • A cover letter that explains why you are interested in joining the Machan lab, your career goals, and a brief summary of your relevant research experience (max. 2 pages)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information for three (3) references.  Listing them here represents permission to contact them unless you specify otherwise. 

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on September 20, 2022, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment that may be renewed for one additional one-year term, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions about the position, please contact Charles W. Machan, Associate Professor, at machan@virginia.edu.

For questions about the application, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.
 

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UVAJobs/job/Charlottesville-VA/R...

 

Multi-PI Grant Funded for UVA Chemistry

Thu, 08/25/2022

U.S. DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Director of the Office of Science for DOE Dr. Asmeret Berhe visted UVA's Campus today, hosted by President Jim Ryan. After touring the labs of Dr. Sen Zhang and Charles they announced a $540M funding announcement for technologies to transform energy production and cut emissions.

The Machan Group will be colloborating in a team led by Dr. Sen Zhang with Drs. Brent Gunnoe and Huiyuan Zhu at UVA, as well as Dr. Bill Goddard at Caltech, Dr. Jingguang Chen at Columbia, and Dr. Yushan Yan at UDelaware. Congratulations to all involved!

 

Amelia's Paper Appears in Chemical Science

Thu, 07/21/2022

Congratulations to Amelia, who led the team to the finish line on "Inverse Potential Scaling in Co-Electrocatalytic Activity for CO2 Reduction Through Redox Mediator Tuning and Catalyst Design" in Chemical Science!

She discovered that catalyst and redox mediator structure could be independently tuned to improve the co-electrocatalytic response as the applied overpotential was lowered.

Charles is Promoted to Associate Professor!

Fri, 06/03/2022

During the June 2022 Meeting of the Board of Visitors, Charles tenure case for promotion to Associate Professor without term was approved!

https://bov.virginia.edu/system/files/public/meetings/2022.06.03%20MINUTES%20June%20Personnel%20Actions.pdf

from

https://bov.virginia.edu/june-2-3-2022-meeting-board

Thank you to all the lab members, colleagues, and collaborators who have helped to make this possible!

Emma and Shelby's FeN3O Paper a Featured Article in Inorganic Chemistry

Fri, 05/20/2022

Congratulations to Emma Cook and previous lab member Dr. Shelby Hooe on their recent publication in Inorganic Chemistry with Featured Article recognition. Emma and Dr. Hooe worked to elucidate the mechanism of dioxygen reduction by a non-porphyrinic Fe catalyst, showing that the rates for dioxygen and hydrogen peroxide reduction were well matched.

Read more here!

Welcome Dr. Koellner!

Tue, 03/01/2022

Welcome to Dr. Connor Koellner, the group's newest postdoc! Dr. Koellner comes to us from Prof. Mike Zdilla's Lab, earning his degree in Chemistry from Temple University.

Welcome Megan!

Mon, 01/03/2022

Megan Moberg has joined the group as a first-year graduate student. Megan received a B.S. in Chemistry with Minors in Mathematics and Physics from St. Catherine University and will be working on earth abundant systems for the reduciton of carbon dioxide. Welcome!

Fall 2021 CHEM4320 Video Projects

Thu, 12/16/2021

Here are some selected Video Projects from the excellent work done by the Fall 2021 CHEM4320 students, enjoy!

Welcome Dr. Boroujeni!

Mon, 11/15/2021

Welcome to Dr. Mahdi Boroujeni, the group's newest postdoc! Dr. Boroujeni comes to us from Prof. Tim Warren's Lab, earning his degreen from Georgetwon University Chemistry. Glad to have you!

Emma's Perspective on Mn Appears in Dalton Transactions

Tue, 10/26/2021

Congratulations to Emma, who recently published a perspective in Dalton Transactions on bioinspired Mn complexes and their reactivity with dioxygen. Emma also drew the flowers in the TOC graphic!

 

Congratulations to Shelby, Juanjo, Amelia and Emma for their paper in Angewandte!

Mon, 10/25/2021

A collaborative effort by Shelby, Juanjo, Amelia and Emma has resulted in a new VIP-designated publication in Angew. Chem.! Using experimental and computational methods, they demonstrated that a co-electrocatatlytic system using a Cr-based complex and dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide in a bimolecular assembly can reduce carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide with quantitative efficiency thanks to through-space electronic conjugation. Congratulations!

Emma and Amelia Win Presentation Awards!

Tue, 10/12/2021

Congratulations to Emma and Ameila, who won first-place prizes for their respective Poster and Oral Presentations at the UVA Chemistry retreat! These are well-deserved awards in recognition of their research efforts!

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