Dr. Andy Ashley

Biography

Andrew Ashley’s research interests pivot on catalytic activation using dihydrogen and proton hydride equivalents, aiming for a significant change in the reactivity of hydrogen molecules with reducible substrates. His work includes systems capable of transformation utilizing 'Frustrated Lewis Pairs' (FLPs) based on non-metal components like amines and Lewis acidic boranes. Concurrently, he designs new thermally and hydrolytically stable FLPs, exploring novel metal-based systems for reversible hydrogen splitting. A primary research goal is to achieve hydrogenation of crucial small molecules, facilitated by coordinated transition metal-based co-catalysts, through a process termed 'proton coupled hydride transfer' utilizing activated hydrogen. His research also focuses on hydrogen production via water splitting using renewable solar energy for chemical storage, which is vital for energy conservation strategies. He is involved in designing multi-component systems for sustainable hydrogenation of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and water, with parallel efforts to improve selectivity in conversions. Additionally, Ashley studies the fixation of dinitrogen for ammonia production via the Haber process, which involves high energy costs due to its operation under high temperatures and pressures. He aims to devise methods for nitrogen hydrogenation at ambient conditions using iron(II) complexes, with a strong emphasis on designing thermally robust ligands for enhancing product selectivity.

Research Interests