Guilherme Tripodi | Arcane - Université Grenoble Alpes

In-depth mechanistic investigation of hydrogen production under both homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions with bio-inspired electrocatalysts

I am originally from São Paulo, Brazil, where I obtained my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Chemistry before moving to the Netherlands for my Ph.D. at Radboud University. Driven by a deep curiosity about how chemical reactions proceed at the molecular level, my research integrates experimental and theoretical techniques to achieve a comprehensive understanding of complex reaction mixtures. My background in mass spectrometry is complemented by the use of multiple advanced spectroscopic methods alongside DFT calculations to investigate the composition, stability, and reactivity of key intermediates in catalytic processes. Through this work, I aim to contribute to the optimization and design of new and more challenging bio-inspired chemical transformations.

One of my most significant research achievements has been my contributions to the development of modular flow reactors coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for real-time monitoring of fast chemical reactions. When combined with ion spectroscopy techniques, this innovative setup enables the direct detection and characterization of transient intermediates, providing valuable mechanistic insights. I have applied this approach to investigate the formation and reactivity of high-valent metal-oxo species, which play a crucial role in oxidation reactions. This methodology has also enabled collaborations with leading researchers in organometallic chemistry and molecular catalysis, helping to elucidate reaction mixture compositions in their systems. By capturing reactive intermediates under catalytically relevant conditions, I have contributed to a more detailed understanding of their electronic properties, stability, and pathways for substrate activation.
After completing my Ph.D., I moved to Grenoble for a postdoctoral position under the supervision of Prof. Carole Duboc and Prof. Anne Milet, further specializing in electrochemical methods. My current work focuses on integrating electrochemistry with spectroscopic characterization to study reactive transition metal complexes, particularly in redox-driven small-molecule activation. By bridging these approaches, I aim to contribute to ARCANE’s mission of developing biomimetic molecular systems for sustainable energy conversion and catalysis.
In my postdoctoral research, I am conducting an in-depth mechanistic investigation of bio-inspired catalysts under both homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions for relevant reactions related to energy conversion, such as the hydrogen evolution reaction and CO₂ reduction reaction. After completing this project, I plan to pursue an independent research position, leveraging my expertise in transition metal catalysts and molecular catalysis to develop sustainable and impactful chemical transformations.