Welcome to Day Lab Research Group
Day Lab is a leading research group at the University of Copenhagen, dedicated to advancing knowledge in the field of organometallic chemistry, sustainability, organic and polymer chemistry. Our team of dedicated researchers is committed to conducting high-impact research that contributes to the academic community and society as a whole.
Catalysis is a cornerstone of modern chemistry, driving advancements in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals to materials science. However, the reliance on rare and precious transition metals poses significant environmental and economic challenges due to their scarcity and the ecological impact of their extraction. Our research addresses this critical issue by designing novel reactions and catalysts centered on Earth-abundant transition metals (i.e., Fe, Co, Ni). Rather than simply replicating existing noble-metal catalysts, we aim to unlock entirely new synthetic transformations that redefine the boundaries of sustainable and cost-effective chemistry.
Our work has broad applications, spanning the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, flavors, fragrances, commodity chemicals, and next-generation plastics. By integrating a multidisciplinary approach—encompassing organic, inorganic, organometallic, physical, photo-, and electro-chemistry—we focus on understanding and controlling the reactivity of first-row transition metal catalysts. Collaborating with experts in advanced spectroscopy and computational theory, we develop rational catalytic methodologies to tackle pressing global sustainability challenges. Through these efforts, we are paving the way for innovative, efficient, and environmentally responsible chemical processes that align with the principles of green chemistry.
