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Associate Professor Jonathan Kitchen staff profile picture

Contact details +6492136630

Associate Professor Jonathan Kitchen BSc(Hons), PGCAP, PhD, HEA

Associate Professor in Chemistry

Doctoral Supervisor
School of Natural Sciences

Before joining Massey in 2018 Jon completed a PhD at the University of Otago, a PDRF at Trinity College Dublin and was a lecturer at the University of Southampton, UK. Jon’s research group focuses on supramolecular materials characterisation/development and the applications of new (soft)materials containing functional/responsive d- & f-block systems.We aim to develop control and predictability over the preparation of supramolecular materials, and in doing so develop new generation functional nano-devices (including thin-film luminescent sensors, self-assembled luminescent lanthanide systems, and switchable magnetic materials). 

I am a Supramolecular/Inorganic Chemist who specialises in the coordination chemistry of d- and f- block systems for developing functional nano-devices.

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Professional

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) - University of Otago (2006)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice - University of Southampton (2016)
  • Doctor of Philosophy - University of Otago (2009)

Fellowships and Memberships

  • Member, The Higher Education Academy (Fellow) (2015)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Our research is focused on supramolecular materials characterisation/development and analysis and the applications of soft materials containing functional d- & f-block systems. Through our research we aim to develop control and predictability over the preparation of supramolecular materials, and in doing so develop new generation functional nano-devices. Currently, this includes new thin-film luminescent sensors, luminescent “designer” anions for introducing additional functionality into transition metal complexes, and luminescent lanthanide self-assemblies.  Attachment of our systems onto surfaces forms a key concept in our research as surface immobilisation is critical for developing portable field-based sensing platforms. We use a range of techniques for this, however we have an interest in Langmuir-Blodgett deposition techniques as this allows for the controlled deposition of mono- and multilayers, a useful and emerging technique for developing surface based sensors.

Thematics

21st Century Citizenship, Design – for Commerce, Community and Culture, Health and Well-being

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Analytical Chemistry (030100): Chemical Science (030000): Colloid and Surface Chemistry (030603): f-Block Chemistry (030202): Inorganic Chemistry (030200): Physical Chemistry (incl. Structural (030600): Sensor Technology (Chemical aspects) (030107): Transition Metal Chemistry (030207)

Keywords

Supramolecular Materials, Lanthanides, Thin Films, Inorganic Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry

Research Outputs

Journal

Caffrey, DF., Gorai, T., Rawson, B., Martínez-Calvo, M., Kitchen, JA., Murray, NS., . . . Gunnlaugsson, T. (2024). Ligand Chirality Transfer from Solution State to the Crystalline Self-Assemblies in Circularly Polarized Luminescence (CPL) Active Lanthanide Systems. Advanced Science.
[Journal article]Authored by: Kitchen, J.

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

123.102 - Chemistry and the Material World

123.271 - Molecules to Materials

123.210 - Organic Chemistry Perspectives

123.310 - Advanced Concepts in Organic Chemistry

123.332 - Advanced Topics in Chemistry

123.712 - Advanced Nanoscience and Physical Chemistry

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Yichao Cai - Doctor of Philosophy
    Developing novel lanthanide framework materials for CO2 uptake and catalysis

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • 2022 - Alex O'Neil - Doctor of Philosophy
    Development of a Molecular Toolbox for Multifunctional Lanthanide-based Supramolecular Materials

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