Professor Frederick MacDonnell, a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Arlington, is supported by the Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry Program to develop multi-electron photocatalysts based on ruthenium. The electronic structure of dinuclear complexes capable of storing multiple redox equivalents to drive proton-coupled electron transfer reactions as a function of pH will be explored. Strategies for both hydrogen generation from sunlight and for electricity generation from sunlight will be investigated.

Photocatalysis is one of the few attractive alternatives for maintaining a high standard of living based on continuing energy consumption at the current rate. Finite fossil fuel energy sources are dwindling rapidly, and research plans for converting sunlight to energy, either electrical or in the form of hydrogen gas, are important for future realization of a sustainable economy.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Chemistry (CHE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
0518649
Program Officer
Carol Bessel
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2005-09-01
Budget End
2009-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$381,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas at Arlington
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Arlington
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
76019