Organometallic perspectives on hydrogen processing

Hydrogen is an important part of current technical technology and will become even more important into the future. Almost inevitably, the production and utilization of hydrogen involves transition metals. This overview will highlight achievements and challenges in this area: Functional models for the hydrogenases. Hydrogenases are enzymes that make and use H2. These enzymes have been optimized through billions of years of evolution, use cheap metals, and operate under robust conditions. Functional analogous consist of simple di-iron complexes. Transfer hydrogenation (TH) is a revolutionary approach to the utilization of hydrogen. The key feature is the heterolysis of H2, i.e. its conversion to the equivalent of protons and hydrides or protons and electrons. The lecture will also mention recent work application of the principles learn above to silane and biomass conversion.