Bimetallic Donor-acceptor Ensembles for Detection, Signal Amplification and Degradation of Toxic Pollutants (UGC/GRF)

The extensive use and the improper disposal of organic/inorganic chemicals from various industries have led to significant pollution problems throughout the world. Over the past decades, several incidents involving significant contamination of water sources have resulted in severe financial, political, and health costs. In this context, a multifunctional device that can selectively monitor the level of organic pollutants and can magnify weak detection signal and subsequently degrade pollutants into harmless substances is highly desirable. In the present study, we will address the following areas based on our preliminary results: (i) the mechanism of a bimetallic complex that can simultaneously function as a chemosensor, signal amplifier, and photocatalyst; (ii) the design and synthesis of other cyano-bridged bimetallic donor-acceptor ensembles with similar multifunctional properties for other toxic pollutants, and (iii) the real world application of these new types of molecular devices in environmental monitoring and waste treatment.

Funding Source: RGC - General Research Fund (GRF)