April 28, 2006 Source: :
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2006/28-28-04-2oo6.html Let me research the beasts of burden How does a chemist safely handle a reactive molecule that could spontaneously burn? How can we prevent fires when these reactive molecules react uncontrollably? The answer, according to Dr. Jason Clyburne, is simple: Use a solvent that won’t burn. The newly appointed Canadian Research Chair in Chemistry at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS, has been probing the major developments in the use of environmentally friendlier solvents, which is a unique and beneficial area of study, not only for science, but for society and the environment. This morning the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Federal Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canada Research Chairs Program officially announced Clyburne’s new position at the University. Dr. Clyburne has been an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Simon Fraser University, and will begin his position as Canada Research Chair in Chemistry at Saint Mary’s on July 1, 2006. Minister Bernier also announced the list of Canada Research Chairs who have been appointed to other universities in Canada. This event was held at the University of Laval, which is located in Quebec City, PQ. "The important investments made in university research have re-energized our campuses and given the country's top researchers - our Canada Research Chairs - the support they need to fully realize their innovative ideas," says Minister Bernier. According to Dr. Clyburne, the class of replacement solvents, known as ‘green’ solvents, includes carbon dioxide, water, and, of importance to this proposal, ionic liquids. "Ionic liquids are relatively new materials that offer many useful features that can make delivery of reactive materials safer," he says during an interview. "Common ionic compounds such as NaCl, are solids at room temperature. However Ionic liquids, are also composed of charged species [ions], but they flow. Because the components are charged, ionic liquids are also non-volatile," he adds. Dr. Clyburne’s specific interest in ionic liquids stems both from their oft-touted ‘environmentally friendly’ applications as well as for their novel materials properties. He indicates that the more well-known application of ionic liquids is to use them as a more benign solvent system, due to their low vapour pressure and recyclability. "My research suggests that ionic liquids may provide the key to the development of safer ways to handle reactive molecules or gases or to remove unwanted molecules from gas streams," he says "Such discoveries could have major impacts for the safety of workers, as well as reducing emissions from chemical processes." Dr. Clyburne is the fifth academic/professional to be named a Canada Research Chair at Saint Mary's. Current Chair-holders at the University include: Dr. Catherine Loughlin (Canada Research Chair in Management); Dr. Robert Deupree (Canada Research Chair in Astronomy and Astrophysics); Dr. Joseph M. Hahn (Canada Research Chair in Astrophysics); and, Dr. Peter Twohig (Canada Research Chair in Atlantic Canada Studies). Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. -30- For More Information: Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
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