Prof. Kellie L. Tuck will give a talk entitled "Lessons learnt with Coordination Cages and Lanthanide Complexes: Decoding Host-Guest Chemistry for Catalysis and Analyte Detection".
All are welcomed to join. Please register here (contact form) if you wish to attend the lecture.

Speaker : Prof. Kellie L. Tuck
(School of Chemistry, Monash University, Victoria, Australia)

Abstract

For decades, scientists have been captivated by the extraordinary optical characteristics of lanthanide ions, recognising their potential for optical sensing applications. We have pioneered the development of luminescent lanthanide-based complexes tailored for detecting metal ions, nucleotides, and hydrogen sulfide in both aqueous solutions and aseous states (see Fig. 1 a and b).^1,2 The careful design of these complexes ensures supramolecular interactions between host and guest, leading to a luminescence change from 'off' to 'on,' crucial for effective time-gated signal detection. This approach is extremely beneficial for sensing analytes in biological and environmental solutions, liminating interference from shortlived fluorescence.

Additionally, with our collaborators, our research also explores highly charged coordination cages, probing their host-guest chemistry with small molecules and evaluating their potential to detect and detoxify toxic organophosphorus compounds. These cages have catalytic properties, facilitating hydrolysis reactions in aqueous solutions, due to presence of hydroxide anions that accumulate at the exterior surface of the cage (Fig. 1 c and d).^3,4

The presentation will highlight discoveries in both these areas, with specific emphasis on the fundamental host-guest chemistry underlying the responses observed. The challenges encountered, insights gained and pitfalls encountered along the way will also be discussed.

Short Biography

Kellie Tuck received her PhD from the University of Adelaide, and after postdoctoral positions at the University of South Australia and the University of Cambridge she was appointed to her independent career at Monash University in the School of Chemistry in late 2004. In 2023 she was promoted to full professor. Her group’s research program is in the broad areas of medicinal chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and the development of new sustainable surfactants. More specifically, she has been researching the use of lanthanide-based complexes for the detection of environmentally and biologically relevant species, and recently has investigated the host-guest chemistry of coordination cages for their capability to detect and detoxify toxic organophosphorus compounds. She collaborates widely with academics from within Monash, Australia and also overseas as well as a number of industry partners and government organisations. She has published more than 100 papers and graduated more than 27 PhD students.

Kellie has been a member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute since 1995 and the Royal Society of Chemistry since 2007. She is currently Chair of the RACI Supramolecular Division. In the School of Chemistry she teaches organic chemistry across all undergraduate levels. Her roles have included 3rd year level coordinator from 2012 to 2014, 2nd year level in 2017/2018 the, and holding the position of Associate Head (Postgraduate) from 2014-2016 and from 2019-2022 Associate Head (Education). She is currently the Associate Head (International Affairs) and sits on Academic Board. In 2025 she joined the advisory board of OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) Education and Outreach.
She has received the following awards; Exceptional Service to the Faculty of Science, Monash University, 2021, Faculty of Science Excellence in Postgraduate Research Supervision Award, 2018, Vice-Chancellor Teaching Award, 2011, Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award, 2009, RACI Organic Athel Beckwith Lectureship Award, 2006.