Prof. R. Morris Bullock

Professor Bullock gave the 2^nd Liebig-College seminar and lectured on 

Design of Molecular Electrocatalysts for Energy Storage and Utilization.

Abstract:

Solar and wind are carbon-neutral, sustainable energy sources, but their intermittent nature requires reliable energy storage. Catalysts that efficiently interconvert between electrical energy and chemical bonds (fuels) are needed for sustainable, secure energy. Electrocatalysts based on inexpensive, earth-abundant metals (“Cheap Metals for Noble Tasks”) are needed since low-temperature fuel cells generally use platinum, an expensive, precious metal. We are developing nickel(II) complexes that function as electrocatalysts for production of H₂ by reduction of protons. A key feature in these catalysts is pendant amines incorporated into the diphosphine ligand, with the amines functioning as proton relays. Organometallic Fe(II) complexes derived from CpFe(diphosphine)H, also with pendant amines in the diphosphine ligands, mimic the reactivity of [FeFe]-hydrogenase enzymes, leading to new iron catalysts for oxidation of H₂.