Dr. Michael Hambourger | Appalachian State University
Event Date:
March 12, 2015 – 3:30 PM to March 13, 2015 – 4:59 PM
Location:
Burson 115
Event Date:
March 12, 2015 – 3:30 PM to March 13, 2015 – 4:59 PM
Location:
Burson 115
Ph.D Nanoscale Science
Seminar Series
Spring 2015
Dr. Michael Hambourger
Appalachian State Universit
“Cobaloxime and Cobalt Amidoxime Complexes as Hydrogen Production Catalysts”
Abstract:
The widespread use of renewable energy sources would be advanced by the development of catalysts for the efficient interconversion of electrical and chemical energy. Cobaloximes have been well studied as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution half-reaction in organic solvents. The extension of these studies to aqueous solution is complicated by the low solubility of cobaloximes in water. The surface immobilization of cobaloximes is an appealing option to overcome this limitation. Our study of an axial pyridine ligand indicates that this particular immobilization strategy, although reported in the literature, is unlikely to provide for the stable attachment of these catalysts to a surface. Alternative surface chemistries will be discussed. Relative to the analogous cobaloxime, cobalt amidoxime complexes have both improved water solubility and a more electron rich metal center. The catalytic activity of cobalt amidoximes will be discussed.
Bio:
Mike Hambourger received his BS Biology from Appalachian State University in 2001. Following a stint in the Peace Corps, Morocco; he began a PhD at Arizona State University in 2003. His doctoral research was broadly focused on “artificial photosynthesis,” coupling molecular donor-acceptor systems to catalysts for photochemical fuel production. He received his PhD Chemistry in 2008 from Arizona State University, followed by a one-year post doc in the same laboratory. Since 2009, Dr. Hambourger has been an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at Appalachian State University. His laboratory is focused on photochemical and/or electrochemical processes for renewable energy storage, as well as applying these methods towards water purification.
Thursday, March 12, 2015 @ 3:30 PM in Burson 115
Coffee & soft drinks served at 3:15 PM