Mark S. Meier

Professor of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry

Office: 341 Chemistry-Physics Building
Phone: (859) 257-3837
FAX: (859) 323-1069
Email: meier@pop.uky.edu

1988 Ph.D., University of Oregon
1988-1990 Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Texas at Austin

Fullerenes

We are interested in the chemistry of fullerene family of carbon allotropes. We have developed simple and efficient methods for the isolation and purification of fullerenes (C60, C70, and C84) using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Large quantities of C60 and C70 have been made available through this technique, ample to support an active research program.

We are interested in the development of methodology for selective functionalization of fullerenes. The 1,3-dipolar addition of nitrile oxides has proven to be highly useful. We have prepared a number of different adducts of nitrile oxides with C₆₀ and C₇₀. We are also interested in the formation of fullerene derivatives through chemical modification of hydrogenated fullerenes. Hydrogenation of fullerenes can be accomplished in a variety of ways, and we have found that dissolving metal reductions produce a number of different reduced fullerenes, and we are currently studying methods for the separation and characterization of these novel compounds. Once again, we are finding that GPC is highly useful in the purification of hydrogenated fullerenes.

Carbon Nanotube Chemistry

The organic chemistry of carbon nanotubes presents us with a new set of challenges, not the least of which is the complete insolubility of these materials.  We are actively involved with a set of researchers, including Professors Selegue and Anthony, as well as Dr. Rodney Andrews at the Center for Applied Energy Research, who are developing new chemical processes for making nanotube-based composite materials.  Chemical functionalization of nanotubes is essential for dispersion in a composite, as well as for covalent bonding with the matrix material itself.

NSF-MRSEC Project Investigator