Welco2me to the Le Roux Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Our research explores both fundamental and applied aspects of tailor-made organometallic compounds, structured hybrid materials, and catalysis. We focus on the design, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of novel organometallic systems for a wide range of applications, with particular emphasis on:

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• Green homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis

• Structure–activity/reactivity relationships

• Medical imaging technologies

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Research Focus

We are particularly interested in the role of organometallic compounds—especially those based on non-endangered elements—in advancing sustainable catalysis. Our work aims to develop new catalytic processes for transforming abundant small molecules such as CO₂ , N₂ and olefins into valuable products. This has led to the discovery of several greener catalysts and innovative catalytic transformations, including:

• Development of sustainable catalysts for the copolymerization of CO₂ with epoxides or bio-based resources to produce eco-friendly polymers

• Activation and conversion of dinitrogen into ammonia using transition metal-based systems

• Hydrodeoxygenation of biomass-derived compounds into aromatics and cycloalkanes

• Selective transformation of ethylene into key intermediates for producing plasticizers, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals

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Expanding into Radiochemistry

Our current projects also include the development of functionalized macrocyclic ligands to stabilize underexplored radiometals—such as titanium-45—for use in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

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Research Interests

• Organometallic chemistry

• CO₂ conversion and utilization

• Small molecule activation

• Biomass valorization

• PET radiochemistry ​

 

 

 

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