Molecules to Materials for PEC Water Splitting: Abstract No. INOR-70

Advances in heterogeneous catalysis are driven by the formation of structure-property relationships at solid-liquid and solid-gaseous interfaces. The establishment of these relationships relies on cooperative research efforts on several fronts: prediction and analysis using high-level theoretical models, the development of new synthetic methods to prepare specific solid-state compositions andstructures, new analytical methods to identify the active site and define interfacial properties, and mechanistic analysis of functioning catalysts. However, customized materials that allow for fine control of the interfacial properties at solid-liquid boundaries represent difficult synthetic targets. We have been investigating molecular synthons as precursors to advanced materials to addressthis challenge. In this presentation, we will discuss (1) the chemistry of molecular inorganic complexes, (2) their conversion to mixed-metal oxides, and (3) structure-property relationships of the resulting oxides relevant to PEC water splitting.