Synthesis of Hydrogenase Mimics for Use as Catalysts in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Abstract
The conducted research explored the synthesis of hydrogenase mimics containing first-row transition metals, similar to those in marine bacterium, for the purpose of catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The HER involves the reduction of two hydrogen protons by two electrons to produce hydrogen gas, which is an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. It is hypothesized that by mimicking the structure of hydrogenases the HER may be catalyzed with turnover frequencies comparable to known hydrogenases and commercial catalysts like platinum. The proposed hydrogenase mimics would utilize diamine dithiol ligands, because amine groups have been shown effective in relaying protons. The nickel-based metallic reagent was synthesized, to be used with diamine dithiol ligands to synthesize the proposed hydrogenase mimic. Characterization of the intermediate compounds was conducted via 1H NMR and mass spectrometry. By comparing the catalytic activity of the proposed hydrogenase mimics when used in the HER to state-of-the-art catalysts, like platinum, a more sustainable HER catalyst may be established. While the proposed hydrogenase mimic synthesis was unsuccessful, alterations to the methods and additional time could yield the desired results.
Citation
Crist, Madlyn (2020). Synthesis of Hydrogenase Mimics for Use as Catalysts in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction. Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /188425.