Welcome to the NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis!

Transform chemical synthesis with tools to combine incompatible chemical reactions

About Us

The goal for the NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis (CIC) is to develop the fundamental chemistry to achieve the synthesis of sequence-defined polymeric materials from pools of abundant feedstocks in a single reactor using spatially separated and switchable catalysts.

Our Plan

We hope to achieve this goal in two distinct phases: in Phase I, currently taking place, we are striving to provide proof of concept that it is possible to couple synthesis of specific building blocks and polymerization to obtain new and unprecedented materials. After that, our plans for Phase II are to use an expanded, diverse team to take the concepts from Phase I to the next level by pushing the boundaries of catalysis.

Beyond research, we also aim to make our science accessible to communities around us with our outreach, which you can see in the tabs above! To increase accessibility to our research, we’ve created blog posts and a TikTok channel showcasing some of our reactions, as well as working more directly with communities through our summer REU program and Catalyzing eXploration in Chemistry (CXC) program.

Diversity Statement

The Center of Integrated Catalysis is strongly committed to promote equity, inclusion and diversity in scientific research and education. We strive to provide an inclusive and collaborative space for every individual to freely voice their different opinions, views and experiences. Our center believes that having individuals from various backgrounds is essential for achieving great science, and we work together with empathy to understand people’s needs and make them feel respected. Click here to learn more about our values.

News

23

Aug 23

A Heartful Farewell

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved friend, colleague, and mentor, Professor Jeff Byers. You will be…

12

Apr 23

New Blog Post!

Alina Nikitskiy and Brandon Jolly has written a blog post on resources for engaging sustainable practices in laboratories. Click the…

10

Apr 23

New Paper!

We have published a primer on spatiotemporal control for integrated catalysis. Read this to learn how integrated catalysis can be…

10

Mar 23

New Paper!

Our center has published a paper on integrating electrochemical and organometallic catalysis to produce polyketones from carbon dioxide and ethylene!…

2

Mar 23

New Paper!

The Diaconescu Group (UCLA) and Liu Group (UCLA) recently published a perspective on the art of compartment design for synthetic…

6

Jan 23

CIC Webinar Schedule 2023!

Here’s the schedule for the upcoming CIC webinars for this year! Jan 24 1:00 – 2:30 PM PT Prof. Parisa Mehrkhodavandi University…

8

Nov 22

New Paper!

The Byers Group (Boston College), Diaconescu Group (UCLA) and Do Group (University of Houston) recently published a paper on converting…

22

Sep 22

New Paper!

The Do Group (University of Houston) recently published a paper on improving amidation reactions in water with 2-azaaryl-1-methylpyridinium reagents. Check…