Metallo-supramolecular Chemistry
The University of Queensland
Dr Clegg’s work is developing new materials that will assist with the separation and purification of complex mixtures, one of the most enduring and costly challenges in the chemical sciences. Through molecular engineering, his team are developing new substances that will function like sieves. By controlling the size, shape and properties of the pores in the “sieves” we will be able to separate chemicals more efficiently.
The chemical separation and purification techniques Dr Clegg is working on will help reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in the pharmaceutical industries, making these industrial processes more efficient, reducing the cost of medicines, and the environmental damage from making them.
Jack focussed on encouraging future scientists and as such contributed to an article in New Scientist Magazine about career pathways for young scientists and works with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute to deliver their annual titration and crystal growing competitions for primary school and high school students from around Australia. He has also worked to develop a number of videos through the Faculty of Science’s Virtual Scientist Programme.