Principal Investigator Yogesh Surendranath
The reactivity of an isolated metal center may be modulated systematically by coordinating organic ligands. We will develop general methods for modulating the reactivity of solid-liquid interfaces by coordinating organic ligands to extended solid surfaces. By adapting design principles for the coordination of metal ions in solutions, we aim to tune the electronic structure, local electric field, and secondary coordination environment of surface-confined active sites thereby promoting synergistic reactivity. By correlating ligand structure to surface reaction kinetics, we will develop a coordination chemistry framework for controlling interfacial reactivity at the molecular level. We are currently focused on developing organic-inorganic hybrid interfaces for advanced fuel cell applications.