Electrocatalytic proton and CO2 reduction: Metal based fused diporphyrins with proton relays for efficient catalysis

This project deals with the use of metal-based fused diporphyrins as electrocatalysts for HER/CO2 reduction.

The objectives of the proposed work are as follows:i) Synthesis of metal complexes of substituted free base monoporphyrin derivatives bearing hydrophilic groups at the periphery (-SO3H, CH3PhSO3H, phenolic –OH groups).

Moreover, attempts will be made to introduce functional groups positioned at the secondary coordination sphere facilitating interaction between metal with protons.ii) Synthesis of fused diporphyrins from respective monoporphyrin derivatives.

Elucidation of their geometric and electronic structures through electrochemical, spectroscopic, and X-ray diffraction analyses.iii) Evaluation of the catalytic activity of the metal complexes in HER and CO2 reduction in both aqueous and non-aqueous mediums.

A particular emphasis will be laid on the competitive/tandem proton and CO2 reduction, as well as on the interplay of two metal centers for efficient catalysis.iv) Quantification of electrocatalytic efficiency, and elucidation of mechanistic pathway to develop structure-activity correlations.Detailed information’s regarding implementation of objectives have been mentioned in Section 3 of the Part-B containing individual milestones for each sections and expected time period for execution.The proposed research project,if approved,is expected to bring about significant breakthroughs in the field of HER/CO2 reduction reactions.

Furthermore, the study will provide new insights into the mechanistic pathway, which in turn will open up new avenues for the development of more efficient and cost-effective catalysts.

Besides, the fellowship will provide an exciting opportunity to the researcher to develop new expertise, acquire knowledge, increase professional contacts and lastly a global exposure via mobility between different labs.

Together all these skill sets will drastically improve the employability of the researcher in both industry or in academia.