Molecular-based hybrid materials for artificial photosynthesis: Exploring new horizons in sustainable energy solutions

Identifier:  TDX:4563

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX4563

Authors:  Salati, Martina

Abstract:
Since the last decades, humanity is facing an increase in the occurrence of extreme weather conditions and climate events, which are directly associated to global warming and the unlimited use of fossil fuels as energy source. The scientific community is thus attempting to face climate change by focusing on finding new sustainable alternatives. Solar energy is particularly interesting and promising in this regard, since it represents an almost unlimited energy source and is clean, sustainable and safe. The direct conversion of solar energy into chemical bonds, such as liquid or gas fuels, allows an easy storage and transportation and can lead to the achievement of the net zero emission objective by 2050. In this doctoral thesis, the focus of the research is kept on the process of artificial photosynthesis, where the solar radiation is harvested into absorbing materials and, through the interaction with specific molecular catalysts, transferred into green fuels via water oxidation reaction (WOR) to dioxygen and CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to hydrocarbon products. In particular, this work is based on the synthesis, characterization and photo (electro)chemical analysis of molecular hybrid materials consisting of Ru and Co-based molecular catalysts anchored on organic semiconductors. The aim of the full doctoral thesis is to provide a more sustainable alternative to the commonly used materials for energy conversion and to provide an adequate study of the kinetics and mechanism of the catalysis.