Hydrogen Production from Water Catalyzed by Functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) - stabilized Nanoparticles and beyond

Hydrogen Production from Water Catalyzed by Functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) - stabilized Nanoparticles and beyond (Prof. Jiten Bera, Chemistry)

This research focuses on utilizing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-stabilized metal nanoparticles as efficient catalysts, given their tunable electronic properties, strong σ-donating ligands, and ability to prevent aggregation through robust metal-ligand interactions. In addition, Lewis acid or Lewis base appended NHC-metal carbenes are designed to play a crucial role in activating water on the surface of metal nanoparticles, facilitating hydrogen evolution. Through this project, NHC-stabilized metal nanoparticles are being optimized to enhance catalytic efficiency, improve hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) rates, and develop more stable and cost-effective catalysts for sustainable hydrogen production, addressing key issues in energy conversion and storage.