UCLA

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Professor Libai Huang
2024-05-20 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

2024 Departmental Awards Ceremony
2024-05-21 15:00 - 17:30 | CNSI Auditorium
Awards Ceremony Program

Chem 263 Seminars In Chemical Biology - Nikolas Burton
2024-05-21 16:00 - 17:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series – Prof. Michael Inkpen
2024-05-22 16:00 - 17:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Flyer: Prof. Michael Inkpen Flyer
Title: Molecular-Scale Electronics and Moore: From Interfacial Reactivity to Band Structure Design
Abstract: Junctions comprising individual molecules “wired” between nanoscale electrodes approach the limit of miniaturization for electronic circuits used in computation and data storage. While studies of these atomically precise systems expose molecular structure-charge transport property relationships critical for the development of useful electronic components (e.g., wires, switches, or diodes), the wider capabilities of such junctions, for example, to form and break chemical bonds, remain understudied. We are applying glovebox-based scanning tunnelling microscope-based break-junction (STM-BJ) methods to probe single-molecule junctions formed from reactive molecules and functional electrode metals such as Ag, Cu, and Co. Through STM-BJ conductance measurements of appropriate molecular models, we are also exploring an alternative “bottom-up,” approach to electronic (band) structure design in extended ordered polymers such as covalent organic and metal-organic frameworks (COFs and MOFs). Together, our work aims to develop a deeper understanding of molecular assembly, heterogeneous catalysis, and charge transport processes from the nanoscale to bulk that can be applied in the design of new devices and materials with improved properties.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Helen Cumberbatch
2024-05-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Prof. Malika Jeffries-El
2024-05-23 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Sponsored by: Organization for Cultural Diversity in Sciences Lectureship

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar Series - Eileen Olivares and Merin Rixen Midstream Presentation
2024-05-24 15:30 - 16:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Eileen Olivares (Loo Group)
Merin Rixen (Loo/Quinlan Group)

Chem 263 Seminars In Chemical Biology - Ashley Julio
2024-05-28 16:00 - 17:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series – Prof. Haimei Zheng
2024-05-29 16:00 - 17:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Flyer: Prof. Haimei Zheng Flyer
Title: Imaging, Understanding, and Controlling of Dynamic Nanoscale Materials Transformations
Abstract: Nanoscale materials often change structure, morphology, or chemical states, during solution processes, such as, growth, self-assembly, catalysis or other applications. My group develops in-situ liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate dynamic materials transformations at the atomic level and to elucidate how atomic scale heterogeneity and fluctuations at solid-liquid interfaces influence the transformation pathways. In this talk, I will highlight some breakthroughs in our ability to capture the atomic level structural and chemical changes of materials in solution processes, which have provided unprecedented opportunities to resolve the underline mechanisms. By tracking single particle growth trajectories our in-situ studies reveal the significance of heterogeneity and defects in the formation of nanoscale materials. Insights garnered from this research have contributed to finding new strategies for controlling nanoscale reactions in synthesis. With the development of novel electrochemical liquid cells, I will present our recent capability in imaging of atomic dynamics at electrified solid-liquid interfaces during electrocatalytic reactions. We track Cu-based catalysts evolution and atomic dynamics of electrified interphases during CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Intermediate structures, mass loss of Cu, and unique transformation pathways of the Cu-based catalysts have been captured. Control experiments have also demonstrated that intermediates can be utilized for enhancing catalytic performance. At the end, I will briefly summarize a set of diverse interesting problems we have been working on by integrating liquid phase TEM, Cryo-EM, and other advanced electron microscopy techniques.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Casey Cornwell
2024-05-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Dr. Ming-Yu Ngai
2024-05-30 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Excited State Catalysis in Organic Synthesis
Abstract: Ngai lab aims to establish new molecular editing and assembling technologies for rapid synthesis and late-stage functionalization of biorelevant molecules. Our research efforts have been directed to exploit visible-light-induced excited-state catalysis, a process that involves at least one photoexcited catalytic species, to address unmet challenges in organic synthesis. In this seminar, I will cover our efforts in the development of (i) excited-state copper catalysis in carbonyl chemistry, (ii) novel fluorinating reagents for late-stage, direct C-H tri- and difluoromethoxylation of aromatic compounds, and (iii) site-selective modification of carbohydrates & beyond. Since functionalized carbonyl compounds, fluorinated molecules, and carbohydrates are ubiquitous in bioactive compounds, our chemistry will allow convenient access to and studies of new functional molecules to aid the discovery of new therapeutics, agrochemicals, and imaging agents.
Ngai Flyer

Special Chemistry Seminar - Prof. Osvaldo Gutierrez
2024-05-31 13:00 - 14:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar Series – Angela Agnew and Roman Aguirre Midstream Presentation
2024-05-31 15:30 - 16:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Angela Agnew (Zhou/Clubb Group)
Roman Aguirre (Zhou/Rodriguez Group)

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Professor Ignacio Franco
2024-06-03 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Dr. Veronique Gouverneur
2024-06-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Chem 263 Seminars In Chemical Biology - Joseph Garcia
2024-06-04 16:00 - 17:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series – Prof. Chenjie Zeng
2024-06-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Flyer: Prof. Chenjie Zeng Flyer
Title: Precision Synthesis of Semiconductor Nanoclusters: Combining Coordination, Cluster, and Colloidal Chemistry at the Nanoscale
Abstract: Advancing precision synthesis from the molecular scale to the nanoscale is crucial for atomic-level engineering of nanocrystals for their applications in energy, information, and biomedical nanotechnologies. However, precision nanosynthesis has been a significant challenge due to the structural complexity of nanomaterials. A colloidal nanocrystal contains ~10s to ~10,000s of atoms in the core, metal-ligand coordination complexes at the interfaces, and organic molecules on the surfaces. Correspondingly, nanocrystal synthesis involves numerous collisions, exchanges, and reorganizations at hierarchical levels, leading to entangled kinetics and energy landscape from ~1 kJ/mol (intermolecular interactions) to ~1000 kJ/mol (covalent bonds). Here, I will demonstrate our recent progress in combining coordination, cluster, and colloidal chemistry to achieve precision synthesis of atomically defined semiconductor nanoclusters. The development of precise nanoscale reactions has enabled us to answer some important questions in semiconductor nanochemistry, including (i) how the surface of nanocrystals is collaboratively passivated by different types of ligands, (ii) the origin of chirality and polarity in semiconductor nanostructures, (iii) the precise correlation between the excitonic transitions and electronic structures, and (iv) the atomic level insights into the intricate reaction mechanisms at the nanoscale. We expect that precision nanosynthesis will provide a designable approach to access a library of atomically precise semiconductor nanocrystals with tailored properties, thus enhancing their existing applications or enabling emergent ones.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Jun Shen
2024-06-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Chapman Lecture: Prof. Debbie Crans
2024-06-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar Series – Christine Minor and Aldo Munoz Midstream Presentation
2024-06-07 15:30 - 16:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Christine Minor (Clubb Group)
Aldo Munoz (Rodriguez Group)

2024 Organic Graduate Symposium
2024-06-14 09:30 - 16:30 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Chem 247: Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium Special Seminar - Dr. Xin Hong
2024-07-18 16:00 - 17:00 | via Zoom

Special Chemistry and California Nanosystems Institute Seminar - Dr. Sushanta Mitra
2024-07-23 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Special Chemistry Seminar: Professor Arun Venkatnathan
2024-08-07 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Special Chemistry Seminar: Professor Alex Clark
2024-08-09 13:30 - 14:30 | Young Hall 2033

Chemistry and Biochemistry Ice Cream Social
2024-08-09 14:30 - 16:00 | Court of Sciences
The Chair’s Office invites you to come and hang out with fellow department members over some delicious ice cream!
Please RSVP by Thursday, August 1st | 5:00 pm
Icecream Truck Social Flyer

Special Organic Seminar: Professor Toshiaki Sunazuka
2024-08-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Kitasato University Satoshi Omura Memorial Institute Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory

Inorganic Chemistry Student Exit Talk: Shuaijing Du and Sibo Wang
2024-09-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
Sibo Wang and Shuaijing Du of the Duan Research Group
Flyer: Shuaijing Du and Sibo Wang Flyer
Sibo Wang Talk: Study of Pt-based Nanomaterials for Catalysis in Hydrogen Economy
Abstract: Hydrogen has been recognized as an attractive energy carrier to achieve fossil fuels phase-out and limit climate change. The realization of hydrogen economy consists of the production of hydrogen, hydrogen storage and transportation, and the utilization of hydrogen. To increase the efficiency of these processes, Pt-based nanomaterials which have high surface areas and unique chemical characteristics serve as promising catalysts. In particular, our group has studied Pt-based nanocatalysts for the electric hydrogen evolution reaction and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HER/HOR), which are critical reactions in electrolyzers and fuel cells for the conversion between the hydrogen energy and electricity to produce and use hydrogen. In this talk, I will discuss the fundamental mechanisms of HER/HOR on Pt-electrolyte interface and the reactions kinetics enhancement by surface modification on Pt-based nanomaterials. Overall, this work aims to provide a molecular understanding of reaction mechanisms on the catalyst surface and shed new insights into the design and engineering of the nanomaterials for efficient catalysis.
Shuaijing Du Talk: Introducing Chirality into Hybrid Superlattices
Abstract:
I will present recent results on two different projects, with the common theme of introducing chirality into hybrid superlattices. 1: Modular assembly of a library of hybrid superlattices. Hybrid superlattices, composed of two-dimensional atomic crystals (2DACs) and self-assembled molecular layers, provide a platform for synergizing the rich physical properties of solid-state 2DACs with customizable molecular functionalities. In this project, we develop a modular electrostatic co-assembly approach for synthesizing over 50 hybrid superlattices from a diverse set of 2DACs and molecular building blocks. We demonstrate that in addition to amines, chiral amino acids and coordination complexes can also assemble with exfoliated MoS2 into hybrid superlattices, incorporating optical chirality into the hybrid superlattices. 2: Construction of chiral hybrid superlattices with monoatomic platinum layers. Compared with layered materials such as graphite and transitional metal dichalcogenides with highly anisotropic in-plane covalent bonds, freestanding metallic two-dimensional (2D) films with atomic thickness are intrinsically more difficult to achieve. This study introduces stabilized monoatomic Pt layers by forming a chiral hybrid superlattice structure with self-assembled chiral carboxylic acid ligand layers. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the chiral hybrid superlattices show clear CD signals distinct from the chiral carboxylic acids themselves.

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium Special Seminar - Prof. Weixin Tang
2024-09-19 16:00 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222

Dickerson Biochemistry Seminar Series - Welcome Seminar
2024-09-27 15:30 - 17:00 | Collaboratory Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall YH4222
