This presentation will focus on the synthesis, characterization, and sustainable-energy-relevant application of one or two examples of a new class of chemical catalysts. The catalysts are cluster based and, like many enzyme cofactors, contain transition metal cations and chalcogen anions. The clusters are synthesized from volatile organometallic precursor molecules and are sited on appropriately designed nodes of mesoporous metal-organic frameworks. The clusters are obtained with single-atom or close-to-single-atom precision and thus consist of uniform, high-spatial-density arrays when configured on the periodic nodes of the MOFs. The mesoporosity of the assemblies ensures that candidate catalysts are accessible to reactants. Finally, the organic linkers of the MOF can be recruited as light-harvesting antennae and energy conduits for accomplishing catalytic reduction chemistry using visible light as the energy input.

New family of catalysts for solar fuels: Cofactor-like catalysts on mesoporous MOF supports

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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