Heterometallic Iron-Molybdenum Complexes for Nitrogen Activation

This project aims to develop a range of bio-inspired mixed metal iron molybdenum complexes that are capable of activating dinitrogen, N2, at ambient pressure and temperature. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of organometallic chemistry, specifically with regards to molecular metal-metal bonding and subsequent reactivity towards the activation of dinitrogen. The activation of atmospheric dinitrogen is performed on a multi-million tonne scale each year and is key to a number of industrial processes. As such, investigations into new and improved catalysts for this process would bring huge financial benefits to industry, as well as benefiting the environment by reducing energy demand and associated climate change.