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43034-AEF
Heteroleptic tris-bipyridyl Ruthenium complexes as photosensitizers for overall photocatalytic water-splitting
Hydrogen is an alternative for fossil fuels. The use of hydrogen as a fuel results in water as the chemical product, instead of the carbon dioxide produced by fossil fuels. However, hydrogen is currently produced industrially by steam-reforming of methane. The production of hydrogen from water would allow an energy cycle that excludes any use of fossil fuel.
Previous research has developed the reduction of water with colloidal semiconductors, and the oxidation of water with certain colloidal metal oxides. This project seeks to unify the chemistries into a single material. We have synthesized heteroleptic Ruthenium tris-bipyridyl dyes for use as photosensitizers and to form electrochemical contact between a water-oxidizing material (Iridium oxide) and a water-reducing material (Titanium dioxide or Niobium oxide). We have demonstrated the water-oxidation capability of the photosensitized Iridium oxide using a sacrificial electron-acceptor (persulfate). We have assembled colloidal dispersions of the overall photocatalytic systems and are measuring the transient photochemistry of the system(s) to determine the kinetics of electron transport between the Ruthenium tris-bipyridyl dye and each of the metal oxides. Further studies are being conducted to demonstrate overall water-splitting by these new materials in the absence of sacrificial electron donors and/or acceptors, both as free colloidal dispersions in water, and as electrode films.
Research in the Mallouk group has given me a well-rounded education of the material parameters relevant to photovoltaics and solar water-splitting. I intend to combine this knowledge with my background in organic synthesis to pursue an academic career in research of organic materials that perform well in solar energy applications. The PRF-AEF program has greatly assisted me in this endeavor.
