Phd
Ph.D. , 2019-2025, IIT Goa
Thesis title: Electro and photo reduction of CO2 using poly-pyridyl coordinated transition
metal-based molecular catalysts
Summary: The conversion of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), is a significant challenge. Catalysts, including metals and molecular structures, are essential for transforming CO₂ into carbon monoxide, formic acid, methanol, and methane. This thesis explores molecular catalysts comprising polypyridyl ligands, such as bpy and tpy, paired with transition metals to enhance CO₂ reduction via electrochemical and photochemical methods. Re(I)−terpyridine complexes were investigated, while ferrocene-appended bpy ligands and their Re(I) and Mn(I) complexes were synthesized for further study. Optimization of ligands also included a closed-ring tpy framework to enhance stability and reactivity. Additionally, the use of mono-ligated Fe(III), Co(II), and Ni(II) tpy complexes in non-aqueous media was examined. This study focuses on the electronic properties of bpy and tpy ligands and specific metals to improve catalytic efficiency and develop more sustainable CO₂ reduction methods.
Publication: Dalton Trans., 2023; J. Org Chem 2024; Inorg. Chem. 2026; ChemistrySelect 2026;
Current Position: Postdoc at IIT Goa
Master Student
Mr. Om Desai
Dissertation Student, 2025
Dissertation: Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Multicomponent Synthesis of Aryl/Alkyl
Substituted Pyridyl Quinolines
M. Sc. (Chemistry), Dnyanprassarak Mandal's College and Research Centre, Mapusa
Research Topic: Organic Synthesis
Current Position: Industry in Goa