Jens Tolboom

PhD candidate
University of Amsterdam

Department

Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences - HIMS

Contact information

Room
E1.25

Email address
j.tolboom@uva.nl

Key expertises

homogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis, material sciences, coatings, spectroscopy, catalyst preparation

About me

I am a curious and dedicated chemist with a broad interest. I learn every day new and amazing aspects of this science (from literature and practice). Because of my interest I educated myself broadly in chemistry but I wanted to find a more direct application of chemistry. That is why, after obtaining my master's degree Molecular Sciences, I opted for an arc cbbc project to go deeper into the application and to apply fundamental chemical principles.

About my research

In this research project, a light-activated catalyst is used to dry alkyd paints. In order to increase its activity and to broaden the application of this catalyst, adjustments are made to this catalyst based on fundamental principles of homogeneous catalysis and materials science. My personal approach to this is to make a direct change to the structure of the catalyst in order to increase its activity. I can do this by using my experience from homogeneous catalysis and coordination chemistry. I also want to use molecular photonics to increase the activity of the catalyst.

Academic career

Bachelor experience

2019: Undergraduate project in the group of Homogeneous Catalysis at University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, under the supervision of Prof. dr. J.N.H. (Joost) Reek. The affinity of a variety of sugar molecules to [Pd2L4]4+ cages was studied with NMR titration. For some of these sugars high binding constants were found and a publication followed.

Early Stage Researcher

2018-2019: Master degree in the group of Homogeneous Catalysis at University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, under the supervision of Prof. dr. B. (Bas) de Bruin. Asymmetric Atom Transfer Radical Addition (ATRA) of Chloromethanes to Styrene Enantiocontrol with Metal Organic Ruthenium complexes.

Awards and scientific honors

Master's degree in chemistry with the judicium cum laude.