The Synthesis of Bimetallic Cryptand Complexes for Ammonia Oxidation

The enduring undesirable impact on the planet caused by fossil fuels highlights the importance of researching cleaner alternative energy. Hydrogen can be a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, however, it is difficult to store. We propose that ammonia can be employed as an efficient storage medium for hydrogen. Utilizing abundant first row transition metals, we aim to create a bimetallic cryptand complex to effectively oxidize ammonia and the development of technologies to consume the hydrogen released from the reaction.  Metal cryptand complexes have been synthesized and further characterization and possible catalytic properties are currently being investigated.

Project Mentor: Samuel Jacob

Faculty Advisor: Gabriel Menard