Shedding New Light on Chemical Reactions: Xacobe Cambeiro’s SISC Talk on the Power of Visible Light in Catalysis
The SISC Group at the University of Kent was privileged to host an inspiring talk by Dr Xacobe Cambeiro, titled “New Reactivity and Selectivity Powered by Visible Light”. Dr Cambeiro, a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at the University of Greenwich, has been making significant strides in the field of photocatalysis and artificial photosynthesis since his appointment in February 2021.
Dr Cambeiro, originally from Galicia, Spain, embarked on his academic journey at the University of Santiago de Compostela, later earning his PhD under the mentorship of Prof Miquel Pericàs in Barcelona. His post-doctoral endeavours took him to the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia and several prestigious institutions across the UK.
In his talk, Dr Cambeiro highlighted the innovative utilisation of visible light to drive chemical reactions—a sustainable approach that harnesses light as a primary energy source. His current research focuses on transforming electron-poor alkenes through photocatalytic processes, including transfer hydrogenation and hydroalkylation, and developing novel catalytic systems that use water as a benign reagent for reductive transformations.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr Cambeiro for an enlightening session and look forward to future collaborations that light up the path of discovery in the fascinating world of chemistry.