Project Info

Engineering Biomimetic Materials For Use in Energy Applications

Iron-sulfur (FeS) clusters are ubiquitous in biology and often participate in biological electron transfer and substrate catalysis. FeS clusters form in a variety of sizes and shapes, such as 2Fe-2S and 4Fe-4S clusters as well as larger clusters. In this project, these clusters will be synthesized and incorporated into porous materials, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). The resulting FeS-materials will be investigated for their catalytic abilities, such as CO2 reduction to hydrocarbons, hydrogen evolution, and/or nitrogen fixation. These materials would be the first of their kind and have the advantage of using earth-abundant elements. Additionally, computational methods will be employed to complement the experimental work.

For more information:
• Ji, Z.; Trickett, C.; Pei, X.; Yaghi, O. M. “Linking Molybdenum-Sulfur Clusters for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.” Journal of the American Chemical Society 2018, 140, 13618-13622.
• Baek, J.; Rungtaweevoranit, B.; Pei, X.; Park, M.; Fakra, S. C.; Liu, Y.-S.; Matheu, R.; Alshmimri, S. A.; Alshehri, S.; Trickett, C. A.; Somorjai, G. A.; Yaghi, O. M. “Bioinspired Metal-Organic Framework Catalysts for Selective Methane Oxidation to Methanol.” Journal of the American Chemical Society 2018, 140 18208-18216.

Student Preparation

Qualifications

Prior knowledge of material characterization techniques is not expected; however, some experience with organic and/or inorganic chemical synthesis is required (such as through classes, labs, or other research experience).

Time Commitment

20-30 hours/week

Skills/Techniques Gained

Organic synthesis, inorganic synthesis, materials characterization techniques, handling of anaerobic materials, DFT calculations

Mentoring Plan

The student will work closely with the PI and graduate students in the group for assistance with synthesis of materials, instrument training, experimental design, and project direction. Initially, the student will be paired with a graduate student to learn the necessary techniques. As the student gains experience, he or she may operate with greater independence. This lab/project is new as of summer 2019; therefore, the student can expect to interact frequently with the PI and receive training directly from the PI (in addition to training/mentoring from graduate students).