Design and Synthesis of Water Soluble Ligands in Exploring Biphasic Catalysts
Authors:
Angel Orozco, Noemi Santiago, Noemi SantiagoMentor:
Qinliang Zhao, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, University of the PacificFor many years, developing efficient water oxidation catalysts has been and continues to be a bottleneck in the search for a competent process to convert electricity into chemical energy. By applying quaternary ammonium groups or sulfonate anions to imine-type ligands, two new water soluble ligands were synthesized and characterized. Current study is focused on installing redox active metals onto the ligand scaffolds. After successful metallation of the ligands, potential biphasic catalysts may be achieved. The study may lead to the discovery of water activation electrocatalysts, hence bringing scientists closer to solving the worldwide energy storage problem.