Replacing fossil fuel energy systems with sustainable energy practices is crucial for the survival of humanity. However, this energy demand cannot be met by solar energy alone, since solar energy fluctuates depending on season, weather, etc. Hydrogen can be used to supplement the grid as well as store and transport the energy efficiently by transforming the sun’s thermal energy into hydrogen’s chemical energy.
At the McNamara lab we are investigating the complexes that catalyze the electrolysis of water to generate Hydrogen. McNamara Lab members are trained in organic synthesis techniques to synthesize iron based complexes and evaluates their effectiveness using cyclic voltammetry, and photochemical analysis.
A goal of the McNamara lab is to design transition metal complexes that use earth abundant materials and can be utilized in a solar energy system to power the water splitting process. By utilizing these systems and the earth’s plentiful supply of sunlight and water, the McNamara lab can inexpensively store energy generated by solar systems. In addition, the byproducts of this process; clean water and oxygen, can be reclaimed for further use.