His work with Bergman focused on the development of novel rhodium complexes that undergo C-H and C-C bond activation of alkanes.

He accepted a position as Professor of Chemistry and member of the Loker Hydrocarbon Institute at the University of Southern California.

As a result, current technologies to convert these raw materials are inefficient and lead to substantially more emissions, faster depletion of reserves, higher costs and greater dependence on petroleum than required.

The focus of Periana's research is the design of new chemistry based on molecular (also referred to as homogeneous or single site) catalysts that can facilitate the cleavage of strong bonds of these raw materials.

Periana has demonstrated several working examples of molecular catalysts based on electrophilic CH activation (generates positive charge on the C during CH cleavage) that operate in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to convert methane to methyl bisulfate, the sulfate ester of methanol in high yield and selectivity.

[5] In addition to increasing the rate at which the CH bond is cleaved central to the success of this approach has been the use of the acid solvent to both activate the catalyst as well as "protect" the alcohol product through protonation reactions.

[10] This strategy has led to demonstration of CH activation by a Ru(II)(IPI)(OH)n(H2O)m complex dissolved in aqueous KOH.

Periana's broad vision for SEMC is to bring together all the disparate skills and expertise in the activation of strong bonds in the small molecules CH4, N2, O2, H2O, and CO2 under one roof with the goal of developing a new generation of clean, cost-effective technologies for a sustainable planet in the 21st century.