Synthesis and Characterization of Group 3 and 13 Metal Complexes Supported by Phosphasalen Ligands
CWSF · 2026 Environment & Climate Change
Overview
Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable plastic which can be used as an alternative to current plastics, for purposes such as food containers and disposable utensils. PLA is currently inefficient to produce, making it difficult to use on a wide scale; however, certain chemical compounds called ligands and metal complexes can be used to make PLA production more efficient. During my research, I tested complexes containing different metals by reacting them with ligands. Using a specialized machine called an NMR spectrometer, I determined whether reactions were successful and therefore figured out which complexes were most suitable for producing PLA. The complex which contained the metal Scandium had the most successful reaction. This project is highly important in making PLA more accessible to produce and use, consequently reducing non-biodegradable plastics that can take years to break down in oceans, landfills, and dumpsites worldwide.
Awards (1)
- Selected for CWSF 2026
Competition history
- CWSF 2026
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