As a Materials Chemist...

I currently hold a B.S. in Chemistry from Denison University (2017) and a Ph.D. in Inorganic-Materials Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania (2023). I have been actively involved in academic chemistry research for nearly a decade. My projects have focused on a variety of topics including the self-assembly of organic aromatic molecules, synthesis of layered sulfide perovskites, high-entropy perovskites exsolution processes, functionalization of layered metal dichalcogenides and understanding hydroxide conduction in layered double hydroxides. I have experience with a wide variety of instrumentation and analysis showcased here.

Recent Publications

Anion-Dependent Structure, Dehydration, and Hydroxide Ion Conductivity of Magnesium Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxides (VIEW PAPER)

Scientific Abstract: Inorganic layered double hydroxides (LDHs) that provide effective pathways for hydroxide ion conduction at intermediate temperatures (80–140 °C) are promising materials for fully inorganic and hybrid polymer–inorganic alkaline membranes. In this study, we explore the structure–property relationships of magnesium-aluminum LDHs containing doubly and singly charged anions (CO32–, SO42–, ClO4–, Cl–, NO3–). The anions were found to affect the structure, hydroxide conductivity, and water retention of the LDHs. At intermediate temperatures (100–140 °C), LDHs with ClO4– or NO3– anions had sustained enhancement of in-plane OH– conductivity up to 12 mS/cm. Changes in structure did not affect the hydroxide conductivity, indicating that the conductivity is dominated by OH– ions on the external surfaces of the LDH platelets. The hydroxide ion conductivities of LDHs followed a trend consistent with the lyotropic series. The connection between the lyotropic series and intermediate temperature conductivity suggests a design principle for robust LDH-based anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) for electrochemical applications.

Non-Scientist Abstract: We studied a lasagna-like layered material that could be used to improve batteries and energy devices. We looked at how the material acted when we added different salts between the layers. To our surprise, these salts improved the material's conducting abilities, especially at higher temperatures. Our results suggest that these materials could be useful in energy storage devices like batteries.

Dillenburger, J. D.; Schulte, L.; Mahale, P.; Suleiman, M.; Mallouk, T. E. Chem. Mater. 2023, 35, 6437−6446. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c01161.

Basal Plane Functionalization of Niobium Disulfide Nanosheets with Cyclopentadienyl Manganese(I) Dicarbonyl (VIEW PAPER)

Scientific Abstract: Basal plane-functionalized NbS2 nanosheets were obtained using in situ photolysis to generate the coordinatively unsaturated organometallic fragment cyclopentadienyl manganese(I) dicarbonyl (CpMn(CO)2). This straight-forward, direct attachment process does not rely on defect chemistry or on intentional oxidation or reduction of the nanosheets. Under UV irradiation, a labile carbonyl ligand dissociates from the tricarbonyl complex, creating an open coordination site for bonding between the Mn atom and the electron-rich sulfur atoms on the surface of the NbS2 nanosheets. In contrast, no reaction is observed with 2H-MoS2 nanosheets under the same reaction conditions. This difference in reactivity is consistent with the electronic structure calculations, which indicate stronger bonding of the organometallic fragment to electron-poor, metallic NbS2 than to semiconducting, electron-rich MoS2. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) were used to characterize the bonding between Mn and S atoms on the surface-functionalized nanosheets. We are optimistic that the insights gained from this study can be leveraged to identify and investigate other organometallic complexes that might be effective for functionalizing the basal planes of a number of TMDs, including MoS2.

Non-Scientist Abstract: We studied a lasagna-like layered material that could be separated into a single layer, like a sheet of paper. We attached a molecule to the surface of the sheet by using light. The light triggered a chemical reaction in the molecule, causing it to attach to the sheet. The type of atoms in the sheet affected whether the molecule attached easily. Our results may suggest that we can attach other molecules using a similar method. This is the first step to making specialized materials with applications in electricity and magnetism.

Dillenburger, J. D.; Nguyen, M. A. T.; Xu, P.; Shallenberger, J. R.; Mallouk, T. E. Inorg. Chem. 2022, 61 (37), 14824–14832. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c02366.

Media

Grad Talks @Penn (2023): The Graduate Talks at the University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) are a series of presentations and discussions where graduate students showcase their research and academic work. These talks provide an opportunity for graduate students to share their insights, findings, and expertise with the academic community and the broader public. (Learn More)

Under the Microscope (2022): Bridging the science communication gap between materials scientists and the general public, the "Under the Microscope" is a captivating science podcast that delves into the fascinating world of micro- and nano- material research. Each episodes features a guest scientist who explores the hidden wonders and intricate details of materials often invisible to the naked eye. The bimonthly podcast is a collaboration with The Science Talk (Learn More)

Mission Material Science (2021): The Penn State Center for Nanoscale Science, in partnership with The Franklin Institute science museum in Philadelphia, jointly developed an interactive online platform to deliver high-quality educational content about materials science. Geared towards children aged 8-13 and their families, the platform currently offers DIY activities and videos showcasing real scientists discussing current research. (Learn More)

Creating New Scientists (2017): "Professors in the sciences often come up with an idea or theory, offer guidance and mentorship, and then the students get into lab and do a lot of the work and thinking. Dr. Joseph Reczek and Dr. Annabel Edwards, Professors of Chemistry and Biochemistry, have combined in a unique collaboration and have been mentoring Jarrett Dillenburger ’17, a senior Chemistry major, to study dynamic assembly of floating films as potential organic semiconductors from the surface of water." Read More...

This page was last updated on March 25, 2024.

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