In order to make alternative energy sources competitive with fossil fuel based energy sources, the problem of energy storage and recovery must be addressed. Chemical bonds provide a suitable target for energy storage/recovery due to their high energy density. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that cationic nickel complexes of the 1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctanes, [Ni(P2N2)2](BF4)2, as well as 1-aza-3,6-diphosphacycloheptane, [Ni(P2N)2](BF4)2, families are effective electrocatalysts for hydrogen production via proton reduction. Varying substituents on P and N allows for fine tuning of electronic and steric requirements. Furthermore, the number of N atoms in the ligand platforms are major contributing factors for catalysis. Studying various derivatives sheds light on mechanistic insights and addresses shortcomings of catalyst performance.

Employing rational catalyst design: New insights into [Ni(P2N2)2](BF4)2 and [Ni(P2N)2](BF4)2 type proton reduction electrocatalysts

244th National Meeting (2012)

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