Innovate and React
Innovate and React
Podcast Description
Talking about innovations in chemistry
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes around innovations in chemistry with a focus on sustainable practices and advancements in material science. Specific topics include the use of ion-exchange resins in aldol reactions, highlighted in episodes such as the effectiveness of replacing traditional sodium hydroxide with these resins, and new biodegradable bone adhesives aimed at improving fracture treatment. The show emphasizes the significance of catalysis and the development of green chemistry methods.
Talking about innovations in chemistry
Contributors:
- Dr. Leonardo Santoni
- Dr. Kevin Hares
Summary:
In this episode of Innovate and React, Dr. Leonardo Santoni, a postdoctoral researcher at UCL and a science content creator, shares his insights into the fascinating world of metal-organic precursors for low-temperature metal deposition. He presents his PhD research on aluminum complexes for printed electronics, highlighting the challenges of precursor design, deposition techniques, and the potential of sustainable and user-friendly alternatives to pyrophoric materials. In the second part Leonardo gives his opinion on science communication how short form videos can make chemistry accessible for a broader audience.
03:00 From Membranes to Metals: Leonardo’s Research Journey
Leonardo introduces his academic background, from filtration membranes to metal-organic complex synthesis for metal deposition in electronics.
07:00 Printed Electronics and Sustainable Conductive Layers
A look into how aluminum can be used as a cheaper, recyclable alternative to silver and copper in printed electronics, and why low-temperature deposition is key.
12:00 Designing the Ideal Precursor
The importance of ligand design, aluminum-ligand bonding, and balancing stability vs. reactivity for efficient deposition on heat-sensitive substrates like plastics.
28:00 Industry Applications and the Path Ahead
How this research can lead to safer, scalable solutions for the electronics industry—and the group’s recent breakthrough with a non-pyrophoric aluminum precursor.
31:00 Communicating Chemistry on Social Media
Leonardo shares his journey as a science communicator on TikTok and Instagram, and why he believes pure chemistry deserves more attention online.
38:00 Better Science Storytelling
Tips for effective science communication at conferences and online, from simple slide design to authentic video storytelling.
🔗 Resources & Further Reading:
- Check out his website https://theschlenkchemist.com for all his research and upcoming events
- “A non-pyrophoric precursor for the low temperature deposition of metallic aluminium” in Nature Communications https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60786-2
- Follow Leonardo on Instagram and TikTok for entertaining chemistry
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