Dr. Raja Mitra

Dr. Shriya Saha ​

Ph.D. , 2019-2025, IIT Goa

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Thesis title: Electro and photo reduction of CO2 using poly-pyridyl coordinated transition
metal-based molecular catalysts

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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 with polypyridyl ligands, like bpy and tpy, paired with transition metals to enhance CO₂ reduction through 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 characteristics of bpy and tpy ligands and specific metals to improve catalytic efficiency, aiming for more sustainable CO₂ reduction methods.

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Publication: Dalton Trans., 2023; J. Org Chem 2024;

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Current Position: Postdoc at IIT Goa​​