Complexes for electro- and photocatalytic proton reduction

Our current energy economy is largely based on the combustion of fossil fuels, such as oil and gas. However, the global oil and gas supply is rapidly depleting, and the combustion of these fossil fuels releases enormous amounts of greenhouse gasses into the Earth’s atmosphere. An alternative, sustainable energy source is required. The direct conversion of sunlight into fuels is a promising strategy to satisfy mankind’s demand for energy in a sustainable way. One way to do this is the light-driven water splitting reaction, which consists of two half reactions: water oxidation and proton reduction. Systems capable of performing these two half reactions photocatalytically are intensively studied.
This thesis deals with the development of systems capable of photo- and/or electrocatalytic proton reduction.