Dr Maxie Roessler RSC Prize Lecture
Dr Maxie Roessler
RSC 2024 Joseph Black Prize | Imperial College London
"Real-time reaction monitoring by film-electrochemical EPR"
A Departmental Research Seminar and RSC Lecture
L5, The Science Concourse, 13:00 Tuesday 11 March 2025
Refreshment available outside L5 from 12.45
Abstract
Unpaired electrons play an important role in numerous redox-driven catalytic processes, including processes that are fundamental to life, such as respiration and photosynthesis. Controlling the location of such unpaired electrons and exploiting the interactions with their environment can provide key mechanistic information into these catalytic reactions.[1] In this talk, I will discuss how we are using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) combined with electrochemistry to gain mechanistic insights into redox-driven reactions.
Specifically, I will introduce film-electrochemical EPR spectroscopy (FE‑EPR) as a new tool to investigate surface-bound molecular catalysts. With in situ and operando FE-EPR we can monitor the evolution of radicals during catalysis in real time, providing a novel way to benchmark such electrocatalysts.[2] Our current work is focused on extending FE‑EPR to probe faster reactions and complex biological catalysts,[3] and to explore different electrode materials.[4]
[1] K. H. Richardson, M. Seif-Eddine, A. Sills, M. M. Roessler, Methods Enzymol 2022, 666, 233–296.
[2] M. Seif-Eddine, S. J. Cobb, Y. Dang, K. Abdiaziz, M. A. Bajada, E. Reisner, M. M. Roessler, Nature Chemistry 2024 16:6 2024, 16, 1015–1023.
[3] D. Facchetti, Y. Dang, M. Seif-Eddine, B. L. Geoghegan, M. M. Roessler, Chemical Communications 2024, DOI 10.1039/D4CC04013
[4] Y. Dang, M. Seif-Eddine, A. Ford, Z. Ying, M. Shaffer, M. M. Roessler, in preparation
About Dr Roessler's research
Dr Roessler won the2024 Analytical Science Early Career Prize (Joseph Black Prize)Link opens in a new windowfor the development of advanced electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to investigate, structurally define and exploit catalysis by chemical and biological systems.
Magnetic resonance is widely used in science and medicine to study molecules and materials. Common uses include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in hospitals and bench-top instruments used in industry, as well as advanced spectroscopy to push the boundaries of scientific understanding.
The most common magnetic resonance technique, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), addresses the nuclei of atoms. Dr Roessler’s research group focuses on an analogous technique called electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). This technique allows the group to study materials and molecules which have naturally occurring tiny particles called unpaired electrons. They are developing new methods to study how these electrons behave, particularly in enzymes that drive important reactions like photosynthesis and respiration. This research could lead to advancements in sustainability and healthier ageing.