A whole series of original molecular complexes, most often bioinspired in the sense that their structure is reminiscent of certain enzyme active sites, are being synthesized and studied for their catalytic properties. Some of them have revealed interesting catalytic efficiencies for the reduction of protons toH2, the reduction ofCO2 to carbon monoxide CO or formic acid, and the oxidation of water. Their reactivity is generally studied under electrochemical (energy is supplied electrically) or photochemical (energy is supplied by light) conditions. These experimental studies are coupled with theoretical approaches to unravel the reaction mechanisms. The most active complexes are heterogenized, notably by attachment to porous solids (Metal-Organic Frameworks-MOFs) and coordination polymers. Molecular catalysts can also be attached to proteins, leading to artificial enzymes. These original biocatalysts are optimized by directed mutagenesis of the protein and functionalization of synthetic ligands.
The laboratory has also become a specialist in the study of heterogeneous catalysts for all these reactions. New surface-optimized mono- or poly-metallic solid catalysts have been published in recent years, which are efficient and selective for the production of CO, ethylene, ethanol and water oxidation. The most remarkable result has been the development of a complete device combining a solar cell and an electrolyzer that convertsCO2 and water into ethylene with very high efficiency, using only solar energy as a power source. This research involves the development of appropriate technological devices (electrolyzers).