Back to results
US 7,582,584 B2Granted
Supramolecular complexes as photocatalysts for the production of hydrogen from water
AssigneeVirginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
InventorsKaren J. Brewer, Mark Elvington
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Supramolecular complexes designed to produce hydrogen from water are provided. The supramolecular complexes absorb visible light and undergo charge transfer, leading to the collection of electrons at a reactive metal center, where the electrons reduce water to hydrogen. The complex remains intact during electron collection and hydrogen production.
Claims10
A system for converting radiant energy to chemical energy in the form of hydrogen (H2), comprising
- a vessel for containing water and a supramolecular complex;
- a supramolecular complex comprising
- at least one metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) light absorbing metal,
- at least one bridging π-acceptor ligand,
- at least one electron acceptor metal, and
- at least one terminal ligand;
- an electron donor;
- and
- means for directing radiant energy towards said vessel or for exposing said vessel to radiant energy, whereby said radiant energy interacts with said water and said supramolecular complex in said vessel to convert said radiant energy to said chemical energy in the form of hydrogen (H2) by reducing water in said vessel to produce hydrogen.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.