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Date Permissions Signed

5-31-2013

Date of Award

2013

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Gilbertson, John D.

Second Advisor

O'Neil, Gregory (Gregory W.)

Third Advisor

Spiegel, P. Clint

Abstract

The increase of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), has been recognized by the scientific, industrial, and political communities. The increase in CO2 concentration has been connected to negative effects on our environment (global warming). Despite the negative associations of CO2, chemists can synthesize useful organic products and fuel from it. Ideally, the two electron reduction of CO2 to CO can provide one of the two products of synthesis gas (CO and H2), which is used in the Fischer-Tropsch process to produce diesel fuel. This thesis aims to convert CO2 to CO, using a cheap and abundant metal, Fe. The research presented herein focuses on the redox-active capability of pyridinediimine (PDI) ligands and their promotion of the CO2-to-CO conversion on Fe(II). Furthermore, the chemical and electrochemical release of CO on Fe(II) has shown to complete the CO2-to-CO cycle. Additional studies with varying Lewis acids and Lewis bases located within the secondary coordination sphere of the PDIFe complex will be discussed. These studies demonstrated the electronic effects on the reduction-oxidation potential of the CO release in PDIFe(CO)2 complexes.

Type

Text

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25710/ypa2-sa93

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

847230601

Subject – LCSH

Carbon dioxide; Carbon monoxide; Iron catalysts; Greenhouse gases; Diesel fuels--Environmental aspects

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this thesis for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.

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