Date Thesis Awarded
5-2015
Access Type
Honors Thesis -- Access Restricted On-Campus Only
Degree Name
Bachelors of Science (BS)
Department
Chemistry
Advisor
William R. McNamara
Committee Members
Randolph Chambers
Robert J. Hinkle
Gary W. Rice
Abstract
An iron polypyridyl complex has been synthesized, characterized, and shown to be both an electro- and photocatalyst for proton reduction. Electrochemically, the complex is active in both organic and aqueous solutions, with a reduction potential of -1.17 V vs SCE in CH3CN. This corresponds to a thermodynamic overpotential of 660 mV. The activity of the complex increases in 1:1 H2O/CH3CN solvent conditions. Additionally, it has been found to work in aqueous buffer solutions at pH 3-5. It has also been found that the reduction potential of the complex can be tuned by adding electron withdrawing and donating groups to the ligand.
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution has been observed by the same complex in the presence of fluorescein and triethylamine in 1:1 EtOH/H2O solutions, achieving 2400 turnovers with respect to catalyst over 24 hours.
Recommended Citation
Mayer, Kathryn J., "Electro- and Photocatalytic Generation of Hydrogen by Iron Polypyridyl Complexes" (2015). Undergraduate Honors Theses. William & Mary. Paper 218.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/honorstheses/218
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