Research Areas

The Hernández Sánchez Research Group (HSG) is an interdisciplinary group interested in combining supramolecular, organic-inorganic, and materials chemistry to synthesize functional systems that bridge the gap between nanoscale materials and molecular chemistry. Our research seeks to develop and establish new synthetic methodologies to access well-defined nanometer-sized metal clusters where we can investigate surface structure-function relationships relevant in catalytic and magnetic materials. A second thrust in our group focuses on the design, synthesis, and material’s applications of contorted aromatics, most importantly we seek to create and control frameworks with radial conjugation, akin to molecular-scale wires. Last, our supramolecular design approach to anion receptors has opened the door to a vast landscape of unexplored chemistry towards the recognition of large and nonspherical anions, some of which are found in the environment as toxic chemicals. Students in the HSG will engage in synthetic chemistry and develop familiarity with a range of spectroscopic, electrochemical, crystallographic, and magnetic techniques. While rooted in synthetic chemistry, research in the HSG will interface with materials, theory, and physical chemistry, potentially impacting the fields of optoelectronic materials, catalyst design, and environmental remediation.