
Overview
Background
After completing my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Newcastle, I held a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Basel (Switzerland) from 1990-2. I returned to Australia in 1993 to take up an Australian Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Australian National University (Canberra) from 1993-4. I joined The University of Queensland in 1994.
Availability
- Professor Paul Bernhardt is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
Research interests
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Protein Electrochemistry
This research involves incorporating redox active enzymes with electrochemical systems such that the enzyme functions natively whilst in communication with an electrode (rather than with a natural electron transfer partner). We are currently investigating a number of systems, most from the molybdenum enzyme family that catalyse oxygen transfer reactions of both organic and inorganic substrates.
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Copper Complexes as Atom Transfer Radical Catalysts
Atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) is one of the most widely used 'controlled' radical polymerisation techniques and has resulted in polymers with well defined molecular weights and architectures. Our work is focused on complexes that catalyse this process by generating organic radicals from the simple reaction between a Cu(I) complex and an alkyl halide initiator. We can probe this atom transfer reaction with cyclic voltammetry and we have gained new insight to this interesting and fundamentally important reaction. This has now progressed to developing electrocatalytic synthetic methods for C-C bond formation reactions in collaboration with Prof. Craig Williams (SCMB).
Research impacts
My research interests include all aspects of coordination chemistry; particularly its relevance to the areas of electrochemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, spectroscopy and catalysis.
In recent years some of the areas in which we have been, and continue to be, actively involved include:
- Enzyme electrochemistry (collaborations with several UQ and international groups).
- Invesitigation of copper complexes that are active in atom transfer radical polymerisation catalysis
- Transition metal-mediated organic oxidation and reduction reactions
Works
Search Professor Paul Bernhardt’s works on UQ eSpace
2004
Journal Article
Electrochemical anion recognition with ferrocene functionalised macrocycles
Bernhardt, Paul V. and Creevey, Nicole L. (2004). Electrochemical anion recognition with ferrocene functionalised macrocycles. Dalton Transactions, 6 (6), 914-920. doi: 10.1039/b400538d
2003
Journal Article
trans-Cyano(6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecan-6-amine)cobalt(III) bis(perchlorate) hydrate and trans-hydroxo(6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecan-6-amine)cobalt(III) bis(perchlorate)
Bernhardt, Paul V. and Macpherson, Brendan P. (2003). trans-Cyano(6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecan-6-amine)cobalt(III) bis(perchlorate) hydrate and trans-hydroxo(6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecan-6-amine)cobalt(III) bis(perchlorate). Acta Crystallographica Section C-crystal Structure Communications, 59 (12), M533-M536. doi: 10.1107/S0108270103023370
2003
Journal Article
The preparation of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of the pentadentate N3S2 ligand formed from 2,6-diacetylpyridine and S-benzyldithiocarbazate (H2SNNNS) and the X-ray crystal structure of the novel dimeric [Zn2(SNNNS)2] complex
Ali, M. A., Mirza, A. H., Voo, C. W., Tan, A. L. and Bernhardt, P. V. (2003). The preparation of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of the pentadentate N3S2 ligand formed from 2,6-diacetylpyridine and S-benzyldithiocarbazate (H2SNNNS) and the X-ray crystal structure of the novel dimeric [Zn2(SNNNS)2] complex. Polyhedron, 22 (27), 3433-3438. doi: 10.1016/j.poly.2003.08.004
2003
Journal Article
The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of 9-carboxyhexahydro-7-methoxy-4a,7-ethano-benzopyran-5-en-1-one
Williams, C. M., Bernhardt, P. V., Wiedemann, S. and Barden, M. C. (2003). The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of 9-carboxyhexahydro-7-methoxy-4a,7-ethano-benzopyran-5-en-1-one. Journal of Chemical Research (S), 12 (12), 784-785. doi: 10.3184/030823403322840387
2003
Journal Article
Geometric isomers of chloro(6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-6-amine)cobalt(III) tetrachlorozincate(II)
Bernhardt, P. V. and Macpherson, B. P. (2003). Geometric isomers of chloro(6-methyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-6-amine)cobalt(III) tetrachlorozincate(II). Acta crystallographica. Section C, Crystal structure communications, 59 (Part 11), m467-m470. doi: 10.1107/S0108270103021711
2003
Journal Article
Cytotoxic iron chelators: Characterization of the structure, solution chemistry and redox activity of ligands and iron complexes of the di-2-pyridyl ketone isonicotinoyl hydrazone (HPKIH) analogues
Bernhardt, P. V., Caldwell, L. M., Chaston, T. B., Chin, P. and Richardson, D. R. (2003). Cytotoxic iron chelators: Characterization of the structure, solution chemistry and redox activity of ligands and iron complexes of the di-2-pyridyl ketone isonicotinoyl hydrazone (HPKIH) analogues. Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, 8 (8), 866-880. doi: 10.1007/s00775-003-0486-z
2003
Journal Article
Four cytotoxic N4-substituted thiosemicarbazones derived from 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1-carboxaldehyde
Bernhardt, P. V., Caldwell, L., Lovejoy, D. and Richardson, D. R. (2003). Four cytotoxic N4-substituted thiosemicarbazones derived from 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1-carboxaldehyde. Acta Crystallographica Section C: Crystal Structure Communications, 59 (11), o629-o633. doi: 10.1107/S0108270103021401
2003
Journal Article
Synthesis and characterization of mono- and bis-ligand zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of the di-2-pyridylketone Schiff base of S-benzyl dithiocarbazate (Hdpksbz) and the X-ray crystal structures of the [Zn(dpksbz)2] and [Cd(dpksbz)NCS]2 complexes
Ali, M. A., Mirza, A. H., Nazimuddin, M., Ahmed, R., Gahan, L. R. and Bernhardt, P. V. (2003). Synthesis and characterization of mono- and bis-ligand zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of the di-2-pyridylketone Schiff base of S-benzyl dithiocarbazate (Hdpksbz) and the X-ray crystal structures of the [Zn(dpksbz)2] and [Cd(dpksbz)NCS]2 complexes. Polyhedron, 22 (11), 1471-1479. doi: 10.1016/S0277-5387(03)00125-6
2003
Journal Article
1-Ethynyl-2-isopropoxy-3-methoxybenzene
Williams, Craig M., Mander, Lewis N. and Bernhardt, Paul V. (2003). 1-Ethynyl-2-isopropoxy-3-methoxybenzene. Acta Crystallographica Section E, 59 (4), 0561-0563. doi: 10.1107/S1600536803006585
2003
Journal Article
Structural variations and formation constants of first-row transition metal complexes of biologically active aroylhydrazones
Armstrong, C. M., Bernhardt, P. V., Chin, P. and Richardson, D. R. (2003). Structural variations and formation constants of first-row transition metal complexes of biologically active aroylhydrazones. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2003 (6), 1145-1156. doi: 10.1002/ejic.200390146
2003
Journal Article
Redox active macrocyclic receptors for neutral guests
Bernhardt, Paul V. and Hayes, Elizabeth J. (2003). Redox active macrocyclic receptors for neutral guests. Inorganic Chemistry, 42 (4), 1371-1377. doi: 10.1021/ic026000c
2003
Journal Article
Protein film voltammetry of Rhodobacter capsulatus xanthine dehydrogenase
Aguey-Zinsou, Kondo François, Bernhardt, Paul V. and Leimkuhler, Silke (2003). Protein film voltammetry of Rhodobacter capsulatus xanthine dehydrogenase. Journal of The American Chemical Society, 125 (50), 15352-15358. doi: 10.1021/ja037940e
2003
Conference Publication
DNA cleavage with dinuclear metal complexes of ligands with varying flexibility
De Iuliis, G. N., Lawrance, G. A. and Bernhardt, P. V. (2003). DNA cleavage with dinuclear metal complexes of ligands with varying flexibility. 11th International Conference on Biological Inorganic Chemistry, Cairns, Australia, 19-23 Jul 2003. New York, NY, USA: Elsevier Science Inc. doi: 10.1016/S0162-0134(03)80658-X
2003
Journal Article
Discrete cyanide-bridged mixed-valence Co/Fe complexes: Outer-sphere redox behaviour
Bernhardt, P. V., Bozoglian, F., Macpherson, B. P., Martinez, M., Gonzalez, G. and Sienra, B. (2003). Discrete cyanide-bridged mixed-valence Co/Fe complexes: Outer-sphere redox behaviour. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2003 (13), 2512-2518. doi: 10.1002/ejic.200200626
2003
Journal Article
The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of 6-bromo-2,4,4-trimethyl-cyclohex-2-enone
Williams, C. M. and Bernhardt, P. V. (2003). The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of 6-bromo-2,4,4-trimethyl-cyclohex-2-enone. Journal of Chemical Research-s, 2003 (7), 410-411. doi: 10.3184/030823403103174326
2003
Conference Publication
Intramolecular electron and energy transfer in bichromophoric macr
Moore, E. G., Bernhardt, P. V., Riley, M. J. and Vauthey, E. (2003). Intramolecular electron and energy transfer in bichromophoric macr. Conf of Inorganic Chemistry Division, RACI, Melbourne, 2-6 Feb, 2003.
2003
Journal Article
Bioelectricity: electrocatalysis and beyond
Bernhardt, P. V. (2003). Bioelectricity: electrocatalysis and beyond. Chemistry in Australia, 70 (4), 13-16.
2003
Conference Publication
Direct electrochemistry of bacterial molybdoenzymes
Aguey-Zinsou, K. F., Bernhardt, P. V. and McEwan, A. G. (2003). Direct electrochemistry of bacterial molybdoenzymes. 11th International Conference on Biological Inorganic Chemistry, Cairns, Australia, 19-23 Jul 2003. New York, NY, USA: Elsevier Science Inc. doi: 10.1016/S0162-0134(03)80545-7
2003
Journal Article
Functionalized macrocyclic compounds: potential sensors of small molecules and ions
Bernhardt, P. V. and Moore, E. G. (2003). Functionalized macrocyclic compounds: potential sensors of small molecules and ions. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 56 (4), 239-258. doi: 10.1071/CH02225
2003
Journal Article
Rates of electronic energy transfer in conformationally flexible bichromophoric macrocyclic complexes: a combined experimental and molecular modeling study
Moore, E. G., Bernhardt, P. V., Pigliucci, A., Riley, M. J. and Vauthey, E. (2003). Rates of electronic energy transfer in conformationally flexible bichromophoric macrocyclic complexes: a combined experimental and molecular modeling study. Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 107 (41), 8396-8403. doi: 10.1021/jp035781f
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Paul Bernhardt is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing novel copper catalysts for carbon-carbon bond forming reactions using electrosynthesis.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams, Dr Masnun Naher
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Doctor Philosophy
New Applications for Photoactive Lanthanoid and Earth Abundant Metal Complexes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Evan Moore
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Doctor Philosophy
Development of innovative synthetic methodologies: electrochemical Atom Transfer Radical Addition (eATRA) and strained nitrogen ring synthesis paradigms
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams
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Doctor Philosophy
Electrochemical investigations of bacterial molybdenum enzymes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ulrike Kappler
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Quantum Chemistry as a tool for Spectroscopic Analysis
Principal Advisor
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Immobilisation of human molybdenum enzymes for mediated electrochemical catalysis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gary Schenk
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Electrocatalysis at the Atypical Cu(II)-C bond: Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Studies
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Mechanisms of Transition Metal Catalysed Redox Reactions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Monteiro
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Tuning the redox potential of conducting polymeric films
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Philip Sharpe
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
The molecular basis for sulfite oxidation in a bacterial sulfite dehydrogenase from Starkeya novella
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ulrike Kappler
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Mediated Electrochemistry of DMSO Reductase from Rhodobacter capsulatus
Principal Advisor
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Iron chelators in the treatment of cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Philip Sharpe
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Structural and mechanistic investigations into Dimethylsulfide dehyddrogenase from Rhodovulum sulfidophilum; a moyybdoenzyme from the DMSO reductase family
Principal Advisor
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
DISCRETE CYANO-BRIDGED MIXED VALENCE SYSTEMS
Principal Advisor
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
ORALLY ACTIVE CHELATORS FOR THE TREATMENT OF IRON OVERLOAD DISEASES
Principal Advisor
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
A MACROCYCLIC SCAFFOLD FOR ELECTRONIC ENERGY TRANSFER AND PHOTOINDUCED ELECTRON TRANSFER
Principal Advisor
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2002
Doctor Philosophy
INORGANIC COMPLEXES AS CANDIDATES FOR ENERGY UPCONVERSION MATERIALS
Principal Advisor
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2002
Doctor Philosophy
MACROCYCLIC COMPLEXES AS CHEMICAL RECEPTORS
Principal Advisor
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation of Bacterial Cytochromes P450
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Modifications and a Mechanistic Study of the Ley-Griffith Oxidation, and Generation of Hydroxyl Radicals in the Gas Phase
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Cytochrome P450cin: Chemistry and Biochemistry
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
REDOX PROPERTIES AND MEMBRANE LOCALIZATION OF HUMAN RECOMBINANT CYTOCHROME P450 SYSTEMS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Elizabeth Gillam, Professor James De Voss
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Paul Bernhardt directly for media enquiries about:
- Crystallography
- Electrochemistry
- Transition metal chemistry
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