Ronnie completed his B.S in Chemistry at Emmanuel College in Boston where he studied computational chemistry under Juan Duchimaza-Heredia Ph.D. This work aimed to support time-dependent density functional-based tight-binding (TD-DFTB) as a viable level of theory for studying size-dependent emissions of carbon-dot fluorophores.

He studies at WPI working on metal-organic frameworks, more commonly known as “MOFs.” MOFs are crystalline porous materials, boasting extreme internal surface areas with continuous pores that extend throughout the framework, allowing molecular guests to adsorb within them. Previous work with collaborating groups focused on the ability for guests to become “trapped” within these pores using sterically bulky capping ligands. This work shaped the way our group explores MOFs, with current focuses on hydrophobic dendritic capping ligands that prevent framework hydrolysis, ultimately resulting in a more stable MOF that maintains its original surface area and loading capacity. Future work aims to develop mechanisms for controlled release of guests by selectively cleaving surface ligands under specific physiological conditions.

If you think this project sounds interesting and would like to work on similar research, then contact Prof. Grimm to join now!

Research interests

Metal-organic frameworks, surface and materials, physical-organic chemistry

Publications:

Coming soon…