Koji Tanaka , Institute for Molecular Science, Okazaki, Aichi, JP, 444-8787 | Ken Sakai | James Muckerman | Licheng Sun

This symposium aims to bring together both experimental and theoretical researchers in coordination chemistry that is directed toward the development of artificial photosynthetic and energy conversion systems. The objective of the symposium is to assess the current status of such research, and stimulate new ideas that will move research in these areas forward. In artificial photosynthetic systems aimed at generating hydrogen or methanol from water or CO2, the first important step is to store the solar energy in the form of charge separated states (D+―A−) in a multi-component system. The second step is to use the positive charges to oxidize water, providing the electron and proton sources for hydrogen production or CO2 reduction. The water oxidation and proton (or CO2) reduction reactions are multi-electron processes that require catalysts to carry out the sequence of fuel-forming steps. Transition metal complexes have been employed as chromophores, charge-separation devices and redox catalysts in this context. They can also be used to catalyze the conversion of electrical energy to chemical energy and back for the utilization, storage and transport of non-constant renewable sources. Nature thus provides the inspiration for us to design artificial systems to achieve solar fuel generation using inexpensive and abundant metals.