David James Hannington

David James Hannington is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology at McMaster University, where he has established himself as a leading researcher in inorganic and organometallic chemistry with a particular focus on f-block elements and main group chemistry.

Dr. Hannington earned his BSc in Chemistry from the University of Bristol in 1996, followed by a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from the same institution in 2000. His academic journey has led him to become a prominent figure in the field of inorganic synthesis and catalysis.

His research spans much of the periodic table with current emphasis on rigid pincer ligand design, reactivity and catalysis with lanthanide and actinide complexes, unique actinide-ligand bonding situations, alkali metal–alkane interactions, reactive manganese silyl, silylene and silene complexes, late transition metal ambiphilic ligand complexes, and the development of new ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) precursors, reactivity and methods. The Emslie lab is equipped with 4 argon-filled gloveboxes and numerous vacuum lines to handle highly air-sensitive inorganic molecules, along with 4 ALD reactors for developing new deposition processes and academic collaborations focused on device fabrication.

Dr. Hannington teaches a variety of advanced chemistry courses including Transition Metal Organometallic Chemistry and Catalysis, Bio-Inorganic Chemistry, and Introduction to Transition Metal Chemistry. His teaching spans both undergraduate and graduate levels, reflecting his commitment to education in the chemical sciences.

The Emslie research group typically consists of 4-8 graduate students, 0-2 postdoctoral fellows, and 1 or 2 undergraduate students, creating a dynamic environment for training the next generation of inorganic chemists. His laboratory work has significant implications for materials science, catalysis, and energy storage technologies.