The Canadian National Crystallographic Committee will be hosting the fifth Dr. Penelope W. Codding Lecture in support of early career crystallographers on Thursday, the 8th of February, at 9 a.m. Pacific time/12 p.m. Eastern time.
Title: Crystallography through the eyes of a chemist
Abstract:
Crystallography emerged as an experimental science describing the geometry and shape of crystals using light and a simple goniometer. With the discovery of X-rays and their interaction with crystalline matter, it became possible to analyze crystals on an atomic level. This breakthrough immediately found numerous applications in materials science, chemistry, physics, and biology. While the mathematical apparatus and physical theories behind X-ray diffraction continue to perplex many young minds, this lecture aims to dispel the myth that the art of crystallography is reserved for a select few. Browsing through the chemical applications, the audience will be able to visualize multiple aspects of crystallography without delving into theory.
The first part of the lecture will introduce the concept of solid solutions and their role in modern materials science. By discussing the physical properties of inorganic orthophosphates, featuring the structure of kosnarite and langbeinite minerals, we will explore structure-property relationships and how they can be used to design materials with optimal characteristics and the best performance.
The second part of the lecture will cover the use of X-ray diffraction in organoaluminum chemistry. The audience will learn about aluminum in the unconventional oxidation state +1, its peculiar reactivity patterns, and the concept of main group catalysis.
The last part of the lecture will be devoted to the design of contemporary powder X-ray diffraction instrumentation. With technological advances in the world of X-ray sources, detectors, and computers, powder diffraction complements and even replaces other instrumental methods for material characterization. We will see how the crystal structure can be determined without growing large single crystals, how to analyze the outcome of reactions without using common spectroscopic techniques, and more.
Biography: Dr. Anton Dmitrienko currently holds the position of a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Windsor, Canada. With over two years of dedicated research, Dr. Dmitrienko specializes in high-throughput methodologies and instrumentation for the rapid discovery of crystalline materials. His academic journey began at the Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod (Russia), where he earned a Master of Chemistry degree, focusing on the crystallochemical design and synthesis of inorganic orthophosphates featuring near-zero thermal expansion. Dr. Dmitrienko further pursued a PhD degree in organometallic chemistry at Brock University (St. Catharines, Canada). Under the guidance of Prof. Georgii Nikonov, his research explored the coupling reactivity of low-valent aluminum carbenoids, refining his expertise in materials science and advanced analytical techniques. His research findings are showcased in two patents and numerous publications in recognized journals. Having worked with diverse crystalline materials for ten years, Anton is continuously invited to give tutorials and participate in workshops, educating aspiring chemists interested in learning and applying X-ray diffraction techniques to their research. Dr. Dmitrienko together with Prof. Vukotic are organizing Canadian Powder Diffraction Workshop (CPDW17) this Spring in Windsor, Ontario.
Date & Time: Thursday, February 8th, 2024 – 9 a.m. – Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Meeting URL: https://ubc.zoom.us/j/68500077957
Passcode: 212121