Abstract: Society depends on polymeric materials now more than at any
other time in history. Although synthetic polymers are indispensable in a
diverse array of applications, ranging from commodity packaging and
structural materials to technologically complex biomedical and
electronic devices, their synthesis and post-use fate pose important
environmental challenges. The focus of our research is the development
of routes to polymers with reduced environmental impact. In this work,
we aim to transition from fossil fuels to renewable resources, and are
developing synthetic methods that limit energy and raw-material
consumption. In addition, we are designing materials that will
eventually degrade into non-toxic materials, and have properties
comparable to current commodity plastics. In this lecture, the
development of catalytic routes to polyolefins, polyesters,
polycarbonates, and polyethers will be presented.
Bio: Dr. Coates is Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Cornell University. Dr. Coates' scientific interests focus on polymer chemistry and nanotechnology. In 1999, Dr. Coates
was selected by MIT's Technology Review magazine as one of 100 young
innovators under the age of 35 "who exemplify the spirit of innovation
in science, technology, business and the arts." Since then, Dr. Coates
received numerous honors and awards including: Camille Dreyfus
Teacher-Scholar Award, David and Lucile Packard Foundation Fellowship in
Science and Engineering, Akron Section Award of the ACS, and Arthur C.
Cope Scholar Award. Dr. Coates
is affiliated with a large number of societies including the American
Chemical Society (Organic, Inorganic, Polymer, and Polymeric Materials,
Science and Engineering Sections). Dr. Coates is an inventor on over 20 patent and patent applications, and has contributed to over 70 publications. Dr. Coates received his doctorate degree in Organic Chemistry from Stanford University.