PHOTOCORE - PHOtosynthetic processes TOwards tandem Carbonylation and Oxidation REactions
Abstract:
PHOTOCORE is a very ambitious project that targets the unprecedented design of an artificial photosynthetic system capable of promoting the solar-driven conversion of raw feedstock materials into added-valued molecular scaffolds, with a vision in line with the EU sustainable development goals as well as the Italian PNRR objectives.
In particular, the project aims at the realization of a novel setup based on the proper combination of two photosynthetic modules in homogeneous conditions, with an approach that is reminiscent of the paradigm of Natural Photosynthesis. The reductive module will target the selective light-driven reduction of CO2 to CO using noble-metal-free molecular components, with the produced CO that will be eventually employed to accomplish carbonylation processes on aromatic iodides to target aromatic amides/esters of applicative relevance. The oxidative module will consider light-triggered oxidation of alcohols and oxidative activation of C-H bonds to target compounds of industrial interest such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (via oxidation of hydroxymethylfurfural), cyclohexanol/cyclohexanone (through oxidation of cyclohexane), terepthalic and acrylic acids (through oxidation of p-xylene and acrylic acid, respectively). The two modules will be connected by means of a redox mediator acting as a shuttle and assisting the photoinduced transfer of electrons and protons between the two modules. Further implementation into flow conditions will be finally considered, going beyond the current state-of-the-art in sustainable synthesis, while opening to potential industrial applications.
To achieve these goals, we will consider a multidisciplinary approach which integrates the consolidated and complementary expertise in synthesis, photochemistry, and electrochemistry of 3 research units (UNIFE, UNIPD, and UNITS). Within this collaborative network, we will exchange researchers and knowledge, growing the younger generation of scientists with an approach that targets societal challenges. The scientific results produced by PHOTOCORE will be disseminated across the scientific community as well as to the general audience, thus impacting at the scientific as well as the economic and societal levels.
In particular, the project aims at the realization of a novel setup based on the proper combination of two photosynthetic modules in homogeneous conditions, with an approach that is reminiscent of the paradigm of Natural Photosynthesis. The reductive module will target the selective light-driven reduction of CO2 to CO using noble-metal-free molecular components, with the produced CO that will be eventually employed to accomplish carbonylation processes on aromatic iodides to target aromatic amides/esters of applicative relevance. The oxidative module will consider light-triggered oxidation of alcohols and oxidative activation of C-H bonds to target compounds of industrial interest such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (via oxidation of hydroxymethylfurfural), cyclohexanol/cyclohexanone (through oxidation of cyclohexane), terepthalic and acrylic acids (through oxidation of p-xylene and acrylic acid, respectively). The two modules will be connected by means of a redox mediator acting as a shuttle and assisting the photoinduced transfer of electrons and protons between the two modules. Further implementation into flow conditions will be finally considered, going beyond the current state-of-the-art in sustainable synthesis, while opening to potential industrial applications.
To achieve these goals, we will consider a multidisciplinary approach which integrates the consolidated and complementary expertise in synthesis, photochemistry, and electrochemistry of 3 research units (UNIFE, UNIPD, and UNITS). Within this collaborative network, we will exchange researchers and knowledge, growing the younger generation of scientists with an approach that targets societal challenges. The scientific results produced by PHOTOCORE will be disseminated across the scientific community as well as to the general audience, thus impacting at the scientific as well as the economic and societal levels.
Dettagli progetto:
Referente scientifico: Natali Mirco
Fonte di finanziamento: Bando PRIN 2022 PNRR
Data di avvio: 30/11/2023
Data di fine: 30/11/2025
Contributo MUR: 83.290 €
Partner:
- Università degli Studi di FERRARA (capofila)
- Università degli Studi di PADOVA
- Università degli Studi di TRIESTE