Thermodynamic Studies of Cooperative Effects in Metal Complexes

University Of Colorado At Boulder, Boulder CO

Investigators

Abstract

This award by the Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry program supports research by Mary Rakowski-DuBois, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado and Daniel DuBois, National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The project plans to explore cooperative effects in reactions with molecular hydrogen and determine quantitative thermodynamic data for metal-centered proton and hydride donor/acceptor sites. This thermodynamic data will be used to design new electrocatalysts for hydrogen oxidation/proton reduction and for alcohol oxidation/aldehyde reduction. These electrocatalysts have potential application in new economical fuel cells. The activation of molecular hydrogen is key to many industrial catalytic processes. The thermodynamic data from this project will be useful to the design of the next generation of catalysts. This project also continues a strong collaboration between the University of Colorado and NREL, providing a unique perspective for students and allowing access to research techniques and equipment.