Seminar - Victor Mougel

Seminar program:

2pm-3pm Victor Mougel - ETH Zurich

Bio-inspired strategies for the design of electrocatalysts for small molecule activations
Enzymatic systems have evolved complex strategies to maximize the efficiency and product selectivity in small molecule activation. Besides unique active sites containing, by definition, earth-abundant elements, enzymes further control catalytic activity through second-sphere interactions and a fine control of electron transfer chains. In this talk, we will introduce a series of bio-inspired strategies for the design of electrocatalytic systems for small molecule activations (in particular CO₂ and NOx) across multiple scales, encompassing the development of both heterogeneous and molecular catalysts. We will highlight a series of earth-abundant metal-based molecular and heterogeneous catalysts inspired by the active sites of enzymatic systems. Particular emphasis will be given to the exploration of bio-inspired strategies for electron transfers and storage, using synthetic Fe4S4 clusters.

3pm-3:30pm Frédérique Loiseau - DCM

Photoejection of tridentate ligands relevant for photoactivated chemotherapy

3:30pm-4pm Christine Cavazza - LCBM

The potential of redox metalloenzymes in electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction 

4pm-5m Convivial break