Shining a light on the mechanism of photochemical hydrogen production

该项目旨在提高分子光催化剂的性能和寿命，以从水和可见光中产生氢。化石燃料的可持续替代品，如氢，对于尽量减少气候变化的影响至关重要。本项目希望利用创新的实验技术来揭示光催化反应中关键中间体降解的原因。了解这些有害途径可以指导设计具有更高稳定性和活性的新催化剂。该项目探索的基础化学将推动人工光合作用的突破，并提供更清洁的方法，在温和的条件下，使用地球丰富的催化剂制氢。

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.