Contributors:
Summary:
In this episode of Innovate and React, Dr. Leonardo Santoni, a postdoctoral researcher at UCL and a science content creator, shares his insights into the fascinating world of metal-organic precursors for low-temperature metal deposition. He presents his PhD research on aluminum complexes for printed electronics, highlighting the challenges of precursor design, deposition techniques, and the potential of sustainable and user-friendly alternatives to pyrophoric materials. In the second part Leonardo gives his opinion on science communication how short form videos can make chemistry accessible for a broader audience.
03:00 From Membranes to Metals: Leonardo’s Research Journey
Leonardo introduces his academic background, from filtration membranes to metal-organic complex synthesis for metal deposition in electronics.
07:00 Printed Electronics and Sustainable Conductive Layers
A look into how aluminum can be used as a cheaper, recyclable alternative to silver and copper in printed electronics, and why low-temperature deposition is key.
12:00 Designing the Ideal Precursor
The importance of ligand design, aluminum-ligand bonding, and balancing stability vs. reactivity for efficient deposition on heat-sensitive substrates like plastics.
28:00 Industry Applications and the Path Ahead
How this research can lead to safer, scalable solutions for the electronics industry—and the group’s recent breakthrough with a non-pyrophoric aluminum precursor.
31:00 Communicating Chemistry on Social Media
Leonardo shares his journey as a science communicator on TikTok and Instagram, and why he believes pure chemistry deserves more attention online.
38:00 Better Science Storytelling
Tips for effective science communication at conferences and online, from simple slide design to authentic video storytelling.
🔗 Resources & Further Reading:
- Check out his website https://theschlenkchemist.com for all his research and upcoming events
- “A non-pyrophoric precursor for the low temperature deposition of metallic aluminium” in Nature Communications https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60786-2
- Follow Leonardo on Instagram and TikTok for entertaining chemistry
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