Optimizing the Molecular Structures, Mechanisms, and Energetics of Electron Transfer for Catalytic Production of Solar Fuels

美国国家科学基金会化学部的化学结构、动力学和机制项目以及化学测量和成像项目支持亚利桑那大学的Dennis Lichtenberger教授进行与太阳能燃料（H2）生产相关的Fe-S簇的光电子能谱研究。这项工作的目标是了解在PI实验室和其他实验室合成的这种催化剂的电子转移反应的基本原理。对这些反应的马库斯理论参数的评价将有助于在分子水平上更好地理解催化剂的结构和功能，并为更高效率的太阳能燃料发电机制定标准。该研究的广泛影响包括推动太阳能应用的创新，并通过开发下一代仪器和大分子光电子能谱方法为科学基础设施做出贡献。利希滕伯格实验室将为其他研究人员提供使用这些能力的途径，并为本科教育开发课程。该实验室在招收本科生、女性和未被充分代表的少数民族（包括图森地区的西班牙裔和美洲原住民）加入该项目方面取得了重大成功。

The Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms Program and the Chemical Measurements and Imaging Program in the Chemistry Division at the National Science Foundation support Professor Dennis Lichtenberger of the University of Arizona, for photoelectron spectroscopy studies of Fe-S clusters as related to solar fuels (H2) production. The goal of this work is to understand the fundamental principles of electron transfer reactions of such catalysts, synthesized in the PI's laboratory and in others. Evaluation of Marcus theory parameters for these reactions will lead to a better understanding of catalyst structure and function at the molecular level, and develop criteria for higher efficiency solar fuels generators. Broader impacts of the research include driving innovation in solar energy applications, and contributing to scientific infrastructure by developing next-generation instrumentation and methods for photoelectron spectroscopy of large molecules. The Lichtenberger laboratory will provide access to these capabilities for other researchers, and develop curricula for undergraduate education. This laboratory has had significant success in recruiting undergraduate students, women, and underrepresented minorities into the program, including those from the Hispanic and Native American populations in the Tucson area.