Martyn Poliakoff: the elements of chemistry | The Royal Society
The Royal Society・30 minutes read
Martin discussed chemists' relationships with elements, detailing experiments with iron pentacarbonyl and noble gases, leading to novel compound synthesis and environmentally friendly chemical production using supercritical fluids. His projects highlighted the importance of effective science communication and collaboration for successful research outcomes.
Insights
- Martin from Nottingham illustrated chemists' relationships with elements through four key starting points: answering questions, being drawn in, systematic searches, and complete changes, using engaging methods like dog toy molecular models.
- Martin's journey from innovative chemical synthesis in supercritical fluids to collaborations with industry and exploration of green chemistry underscores the evolution of scientific research towards environmentally friendly practices, emphasizing the significance of effective science communication and acknowledging the vital role of mentors, students, and funders in scientific endeavors.
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Recent questions
What were the key elements discussed in Martin's lecture?
Relationships with elements, experiments, noble gases, supercritical fluids.
How did Martin engage students in understanding complex concepts?
Using dog toys as molecular models like iron pentacarbonyl.
What was the focus of Martin's research shift towards?
Green chemistry and environmentally friendly chemical production.
What challenges did Martin face in commercializing his research projects?
Commercial viability issues and rising energy prices.
How did Martin emphasize the importance of effective science communication?
Crediting Brady Haran for teaching engaging science presentation.
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Summary
00:00
Chemist Martin explores elements through innovative experiments.
- The Royal Society, known for its innovation over 360 years, hosted a lecture by Martin from Nottingham, aiming to explain chemists' relationships with elements.
- Martin shared four ways these relationships start: answering questions, being drawn in, systematic searches, and complete changes, illustrated through his office tour.
- He used dog toys as molecular models, like iron pentacarbonyl, to engage students and explain complex concepts.
- Martin detailed experiments with iron pentacarbonyl, exploring its shape changes when a CO group is removed, using matrix isolation in solid argon.
- By studying infrared light absorption, Martin and Jim Turner determined the molecule's shape, showcasing the importance of their findings.
- Martin then discussed using noble gases like xenon for low-temperature experiments, highlighting the unique properties of these gases.
- He explained the phase diagram concept, demonstrating the critical point effect and the discovery of supercritical fluids by Thomas Andrews.
- Martin and his student Steve Hodel designed a cell for high-pressure reactions in supercritical fluids, enhancing hydrogen solubility for new compound synthesis.
- They successfully created CP manganese dicarbonyl dihydrogen, a novel compound, using supercritical fluids and innovative techniques.
- Martin's research shifted towards green chemistry, focusing on environmentally friendly chemical production, leading to collaborations with industry, like Thomas Swan & Co, for chemical synthesis in supercritical fluids.
21:20
Innovative Chemical Projects and Collaborations
- Hydrogen is mixed with supercritical CO2 in a reactor containing a catalyst, resulting in the production of a product.
- The reactor is small, but a larger version was brought in for better visibility, showing an empty tube with a catalyst inside.
- Experiments in the lab were scaled up to build a full-scale chemical plant producing a product called TM CH.
- The plant was a technical success but became uneconomical due to rising energy prices, leading to its closure.
- The project boosted the company's reputation, sparking an interest in chemical engineering for the speaker.
- A new project involved creating terephthalic acid using supercritical water, eliminating the need for organic solvents.
- The project spanned 23 years and involved various collaborators, resulting in successful reactions in supercritical water.
- Despite the project's success, commercial viability issues led to its conclusion, with some technology spun off into a new company.
- The speaker's role as Foreign Secretary led to a collaboration on niobium chemistry, resulting in successful research on niobium phosphate as a green acid catalyst.
- The collaboration with CBMM led to funding for a PhD student and a visit to a niobium mine in Brazil, showcasing the importance of niobium in steel production for cars.
42:48
Environmental impact of cars and science communication.
- The speaker reflects on the environmental impact of cars over the years, highlighting the significant amount of petrol consumption and emissions generated.
- The speaker acknowledges the importance of effective science communication, crediting Brady Haran for teaching them how to present science in engaging videos, emphasizing the role of technicians in research, and expressing gratitude towards mentors, students, and funders.
