Alexander J. BlakePh.D

I am interested in what happens to metal complexes when they are subjected to high pressures of up to 100,000 atmospheres. The phenomena found so far include polymerisation to form chains and sheets, abrupt (sometime multiple) colour changes and new molecular shapes. The reasons for these changes are not always obvious, but theoretical calculations can help to understand them.

I am also using pressure to look at what happens to organic molecules inside the channels of porous metal-organic frameworks. These frameworks are promising candidates for the efficient storage of gases like hydrogen, which can be used as clean fuel sources for cars. Understanding how molecules interact with the inner surfaces of the pores will help to design more efficient containers.