In order to satisfy the growing energy demand without further damaging the environment, it is necessary to develop alternative energy sources. One possible clean and renewable source of energy is artificial photosynthesis, but this process requires efficient water oxidation catalysts. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to compare the catalytic performance of the water oxidation catalyst [Cp*Ir(pic)NO3] (pic = κ2-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid, ion(−1)) to similar complexes with an added hydroxyl ligand. The activity of the catalysts was studied using cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) and NaIO4 as oxidants. With CAN, the complexes with the added hydroxyl group had higher turnover frequencies (TOF) than the [Cp*Ir(pic)NO3], but with NaIO4, the [Cp*Ir(pic)NO3] had the highest TOF. Additionally, with NaIO4, increasing the pH from 5 to 7 increased the activity of all the complexes. In this study, the highest observed TOF value was obtained with [Cp*Ir(pic)NO3] and NaIO4 at pH 7. These results show how changing the ligand groups, the oxidant, and the pH can improve the performance of these water oxidation catalysts, so they could be used in an artificial photosynthesis system. During the summer, I also had the opportunity to visit several cities throughout Italy, including Venice, Rome, and Pompeii, which allowed me to learn more about the country’s history and culture and experience its beautiful artwork, architecture, and landscape.

My summer experience: Researching water oxidation catalysts and experiencing the beauty of Italy

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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