CRC: Coupling Redox Processes to Drive Chemical Reactivity: New Catalysts for Hydrogen Production

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This award supports the collaborative efforts of Richard Glass, Dennis Evans and Dennis Lichtenberger, all at the University of Arizona, to develop synthetic catalysts for hydrogen generation inspired by hydrogenase enzymes. In their systems, a low potential redox ligand derived from methyl viologen or quinone is coupled to a di-iron system capable of reducing hydronium ions to hydrogen. The team will utilize photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemistry augmented by theoretical calculations in an effort to understand what aspects of ligand structure are most important in tuning the redox potential and catalytic activity to optimal levels.This research may lead to new catalysts useful in hydrogen production and in fuel cells and therefore contribute to the new technologies needed for sustainable energy supplies. This project is funded through the Collaborative Research in Chemistry Program (CRC) and provides outstanding opportunities for undergraduates and graduate students to acquire knowledge and skills in very broad areas of synthesis, electrocatalysis, spectroscopy and theory. Teams of high school teachers and students from demographically diverse high schools in Tucson will also participate in this research.