Derek P. Gates

Research in Derek’s group bridges the traditional areas of inorganic chemistry and polymer science. The development of synthetic methodologies to prepare new macromolecules with interesting structures and properties is a challenging frontier in chemistry. Derek’s group has developed synthetic methods to prepare unprecedented polymers that incorporate phosphorus atoms into the backbone. These new macromolecules possess unique physical and chemical properties.  They are attractive materials for applications as  flame retardant additives for paper, catalyst supports for pharmaceutical synthesis and photoluminescent sensors amongst other potential uses.