SusChEM: New Ni Macrocyclic Catalysts for Solar Driven Carbon Dioxide Reduction

在这项由化学系高分子、超分子和纳米化学计划资助的项目中，普渡大学化学系的任同仁教授正在研究镍元素的新络合物，这种络合物可以用来催化二氧化碳利用阳光的反应。任教授正在合成环状有机分子，这种分子将与镍原子结合，并在反应过程中保持稳定。然后，这些产品分子被整合到太阳能电池中。任教授正在为化学科学的本科生和研究生提供高水平的跨学科教育和培训，重点是扩大STEM学科中代表性不足的群体的参与。他和他的学生还在设计K-12级别的实验室教学模块，教授可持续科学和技术的元素。任教授正在合成镍的大环络合物，目的是发现那些对二氧化碳还原最好的催化剂之一。镍和钴大环化合物是二氧化碳还原的最佳催化剂之一，但它们的过电位和催化循环性能仍有待于大规模应用。初步实验的重点是改善二氧化碳与金属中心的结合和络合物的稳定性。为了实现这一目标，任教授在大环的碳原子上引入了各种取代基，目的是调节络合物的构象。他还在研究通过引入吡啶和质子给体取代基来稳定二氧化碳结合的中间体和减少活化障碍的方法。经过优化的催化剂正被整合到带有p-NiO光电阴极的光电池中，这种光电阴极可以执行太阳能驱动的二氧化碳减排。任教授正在与普渡大学的科学快车项目合作，将现代实验室实验带到印第安纳州的农村高中。

In this project funded by the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Tong Ren of the Department of Chemistry at Purdue University is studying new complexes of the element, nickel, that can be used to catalyze reactions of carbon dioxide using sunlight. Professor Ren is synthesizing cyclic organic molecules that will bind to the nickel atom and remain stable during the course of the reaction. These product molecules are then being incorporated into solar cells. Professor Ren is providing a high level of level of interdisciplinary education and training for undergraduate and graduate students in chemical science, with an emphasis on broadening the participation of groups that are underrepresented in STEM disciplines. He and his students are also designing K-12 level laboratory teaching modules that teach elements of sustainable science and technology. Professor Ren is synthesizing macrocycle complexes of nickel with the aim of discovering ones that are among the best catalysts for carbon dioxide reduction. Nickel and cobalt macrocyclic complexes are among the best catalysts for carbon dioxide reduction, yet their performances, both over-potential and catalytic turnover, remain to be desired for large scale application. Initial experiments are focusing on improving both the carbon dioxide binding to the metal center and the stability of the complexes. To accomplish this aim, Professor Ren is introducing various substituents on the carbon atoms of the macrocyle with the objective of tuning the conformation of complex. He is also examining ways to stabilize carbon dioxide bound intermediates and reduce activation barriers through the introduction of pyridyl and proton-donor substituents. Optimized catalysts are being incorporated into photocells with a p-NiO photocathode that perform solar-driven carbon dioxide reduction. Professor Ren is working with Purdue's Science Express Program in bringing modern laboratory experiments to rural high schools across Indiana.