Research

Small molecule activation by high valent late transition 3d metal oxo/hydroxo complexes

Water Splitting by Homogeneous Electrocatalysts

Here we develop artificial photosynthesis systems by the use of first-row transition metal ion complexes. Natural photosynthesis occurs in green plants and uses sunlight as the energy source to split water into molecular oxygen, electrons and protons. The produced electrons can be utilized to reduce protons to hydrogen, which is an alternative energy source and friendly towards the environment. However, the total oxidation of water into hydrogen can be subdivided into two half-reactions: (i) oxidation of water into oxygen, protons & electrons and (ii) reduction of protons into hydrogen. To mimic these reactions synthetically, the first step is the formation of oxygen according to the equation. However, the oxidation of water is a thermodynamically as well as kinetically demanding process and is one of the main reasons inhibiting to develop the artificial photosynthesis systems for practical use. The biological water oxidation occurs in photosystem II is catalyzed by a Mn4CaO5 cluster; where each of the Mn and Ca atoms are connected by two bridging oxygen atoms in a ‘cubane’ like arrangement. Many strategies have been taken to split water artificially; includes the development of homogeneous water oxidation catalysts (WOC) based on transition metal complexes, polyoxometallates, transition metal oxide materials, etc. The strategy of using suitable catalysts is to reduce the over potential of the water splitting. Our aim is to develop homogeneous elecrocatalysts based on earth abundant metal sources to study the artificial photosynthesis reactions, with the ultimate aim to make artificial leaf.

Oxygen Reduction Reaction by molecular catalyst

Nitrite Reduction Reaction by homogeneous 3d transition metal catalyst.

Proton Reduction Reaction by 3d transition metal complex.

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