Development of new methodology for the synthesis of high nitrogen compounds. While organic chemistry has given us many synthetic tools for the formation of C-C bonds and high-carbon molecules, the field of high-nitrogen chemistry is comparably neglected. We develop new methodology for forming nitrogen-nitrogen bonds and making high nitrogen heterocycles.

The Piercey group has an interest in the synthesis of nitrogenous compounds via electrochemistry. Compared to traditional synthetic methodology, electrochemistry can be considered more environmentally sustainable as chemical oxidizing or reducing agents are replaced with the direct addition or removal of electrons. Electrochemistry also offers selective synthesis pathways that may not be accessible by traditional chemical routes

The Haber-Bosch process is one of the most important industrial chemistry processes in the world where it produces 90% of the world's ammonia from the high temperature high pressure reaction of hydrogen with nitrogen. It has been estimated to feed 40% of the world's population via ammonia fertilizers. Unfortunately, it consumes 1 to 2% of global energy production per year, emits a large amount of carbon dioxide and is not compatible with intermittent renewable energy sources. Plasma based nitrogen fixation offers a more sustainable solution

57% of FDA-approved small-molecule drugs contain a nitrogen heterocycle however higher nitrogen contents in pharmaceutical products often correlate with longer more difficult synthetic pathways. Our group works to develop chemistry that enables the preparation of high-nitrogen compounds for pharmaceutical chemistry applications. With our collaborators we also create high-nitrogen analogues of pharmaceutical materials and our collaborators test them for biological activity.

Nitrogen-rich compounds due to their high heats of formation can find application for energetic materials. We investigate the synthesis, safety, and performances of new energetic materials for use as new and improved energetics with a focus on improved environmental friendliness. We also look at the structure property relationship of high-nitrogen energetic materials in order to tune the sensitivity and performance of these materials. We are also active in improving the syntheses of new designer energetics to enable adoption through lower synthesis costs.

Our group has interest in developing chemical methodology and syntheses that can be safely and easily scaled for industrial production. Synthesis developed in our group have transitioned to over 100L scale in industry.

Beyond our interest in fundamental chemistry of CHNO inorganic and organic systems, our group looks at the structure-property relationships of high-nitrogen compounds that contain other heteroatoms.