N2SOLVE: A Canadian/French Coordination Chemistry Partnership for Climate Change Solutions

N2SOLVE OVERVIEW: This research pairing between France and Canadian researchers will develop new functional molecules: ligands, transition metal, and main group compounds that promote the equitable use of resources, specifically with regard to the global nitrogen cycle. To ensure the well-being of future generations, innovative approaches that engage sustainable practice must be adopted. With an increasing population, it is essential that as a society, we work to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, invest in alternative energy sources, and discover superior/more efficient routes for the synthesis of specialty chemicals such as nitrogen-containing compounds from abundant N2 sources. Collectively, this collaboration buttresses a research project devoted to exploiting inorganic and main group chemistry for application in sustainability science, enhancing Canada and France’s reputations for scientific excellence. We will study novel molecules that display unprecedented reactivity patterns, producing high-quality data and HQP. Impact includes identifying new catalysts for multi-electron/proton reductions, providing a route for the transformation of an abundant nitrogen-feedstock stream (N2) into N-containing organics. Together, this work will cement a strong and sustainable economy, protect our environment, and strengthen France and Canada’s knowledge sector.

Faculty Supervisor:

Marcus Drover

Student:

Partner:

Université Paul Sabatier

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: