Shining a light on the mechanism of photochemical hydrogen production

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This project aims to improve the performance and longevity of molecular photocatalysts to produce hydrogen from water and visible light. Sustainable alternatives to fossils fuels, such as hydrogen, are critical to minimising the effects of climate change. This project expects to use innovative experimental techniques to reveal the causes of degradation in key intermediates of the photocatalytic reaction. Understanding these detrimental pathways can then direct the design of new catalysts with enhanced stability and activity. The fundamental chemistry explored in this project should advance breakthroughs in artificial photosynthesis and provide cleaner methods of hydrogen production under mild conditions, using earth-abundant catalysts.