Semester of Graduation

Spring 2026

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Supramolecular cages are a class of three-dimensional polyhedra composed of metal centers and organic linkers. A distinct property of these materials is their porosity as the result of an inner cavity. Guest molecules can reside within the cavity of supramolecular cages. Some supramolecular cages have been reported to be effective in the removal and sequestration of hazardous materials found in water through hydrophobic interactions.

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are amphiphilic fluorinated carbon chains that are soluble in water and represent an emerging class of pollutants. Due to the strength of the C–F bonds, these compounds are resistant to degradation, leading to bioaccumulation of PFAS in the environment.

This work aims to make advancements toward both the sequestration and the degradation of PFAS through a two-step project. The first part of this project aims to modify a preexisting M6L4 cage with palladium nodes by replacing the palladium with a base metal capable of achieving oxidation states beyond 2+. The higher charged metal nodes will afford greater overall charge to increase electrostatic interactions with PFAS and enhance sequestration. The second project aims to utilize photochemical strategies using recently developed metal oxo photocatalysts for the radical-mediated activation of C–F bonds for PFAS degradation.

Date

3-27-2026

Committee Chair

Elgrishi, Noemie

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

Download

Available for download on Friday, March 25, 2033

Share

COinS