Devising cost effective methods for efficiently capturing and storing solar energy is among the grand challenges of science. We are using insights from studies of natural photosynthetic systems to develop bioinspired catalysts for photo- and electrochemical water oxidation necessary for solar fuel production. Molecular catalysts are known for their high activity and tunability, but their solubility and limited stability often restrict their use in practical applications. 2-pyridyl-2-propanoate (py-alk) has been found to perform extremely well as a ligand for water oxidation catalysts owing to its oxidation resistance and exceptional donor strength that enables high oxidation states to be accessed.  Our progress on the development and characterization of molecular manganese, copper and nickel water-oxidation catalysts will be discussed.

Molecular catalysts for water oxidation using first-row transition metals

2019 Fall National Meeting

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