Reactive Carbon Dioxide Capture Using Novel Silicon-Carborane Catalysts

Rising carbon dioxide emissions necessitate innovative approaches for its capture and effective conversion into valuable chemical products. This project will develop Frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLPs) tethered to redox-active ortho-carboranes, providing a tunable platform for carbon dioxide capture and catalytic hydrosilylation. By combining electrochemical activation with main-group catalysis, the project aims to synthesize a new class of electrocatalytically active FLP systems capable of reducing carbon dioxide under mild conditions, thereby minimizing energy input and improving selectivity. The collaboration between Prof. Shigeyoshi Inoue (TUM) and Prof. Gabriel Ménard (University of Calgary) brings together leading expertise in catalytic hydrosilylation, main-group chemistry, and advanced carborane electrochemistry to design redox-switchable FLP electrocatalysts. This research will support scientific and technological innovation at TUM while strengthening its position in molecular electrochemistry, sustainable catalysis, and carbon dioxide utilization. The experience gained at TUM in catalytic hydrosilylation and main-group catalysis will be integrated into ongoing carbon dioxide utilization research at the University of Calgary. Overall, this project serves as a bridge between TUM and the University of Calgary to help pave the way for scalable carbon dioxide valorization technologies, aligning with global efforts to develop sustainable carbon management solutions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gabriel Ménard

Student:

Partner:

Technical University of Munich

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Clean Technology; Sustainability and the Environment; Environmental Science and Technology

University:

University of Calgary

Program: