Special Chemistry Seminar

Polarization, the phenomenon of charge separation at an interface, generates strong, oriented electric fields. Models describing how interfacial polarization drives outer-sphere electron transfer are well-developed, but the influence of polarization on inner-sphere reactions remains poorly understood, despite the central role of inner-sphere reactions in virtually all electrochemical energy conversion technologies and liquid-phase thermochemical catalysis. We have developed synthetic tools and conceptual frameworks for understanding and deploying interfacial polarization to (a) drive inner-sphere reactivity at molecular active sites (b) directly convert H2 to reactive hydrides and (c) understanding and control thermochemical oxidation, hydrogenation, and acid catalysis. These studies provide rich connections between molecular, heterogeneous, thermochemical, and electrochemical catalysis. Our latest findings on polarization-driven reactivity will be discussed. 

Bio

Yogesh (Yogi) Surendranath is Professor of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He holds dual bachelor's degrees in chemistry and physics from the University of Virginia and a PhD in inorganic chemistry from MIT, obtained under the direction of Professor Daniel Nocera. After receiving his PhD, Professor Surendranath undertook postdoctoral studies as a Miller Research Fellow at UC Berkeley, under the direction of Professor Paul Alivisatos. In 2013, he launched his independent research program at MIT. The Surendranath group aims to address frontier challenges in energy conversion and sustainability by controlling interfacial reactivity at the molecular level.