Univ.-Prof. Dr. Fabian Dielmann
Molecular Inorganic Chemistry
Research in the Dielmann group covers various topics in the field of molecular inorganic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis. An overarching goal is the development of new catalytic processes for the conversion of particularly inert small molecules such as the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) into value-added compounds. For the energy-efficient and selective conversion of these molecules, we develop innovative methods for bond activation, synthesise reactive compounds and investigate the underlying mechanisms using a combination of experimental, spectroscopic and computer-based methods.
Precious metal catalysts play a central role in numerous chemical processes. However, their use must be viewed critically in the context of sustainability efforts, as these elements are extremely rare and are obtained with great technical effort. We are developing catalysts based on main group elements, which represent a sustainable alternative to precious metal catalysts owing to their natural abundance in the Earth's crust. By leveraging strong substituent effects, we control the molecular properties of these catalysts for optimal perfomance. Current projects include the development of highly electron-rich phosphines, low-coordinate phosphorus compounds and ambiphilic compounds such as carbenes, nitrenes or geometrically strained systems.
In view of the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the development of new approaches for their efficient chemical utilisation is of enormous importance. Our research is focussed on the development of easily applicable methods for the chemical activation of greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), to enable catalytic processes to transform them into valuable chemicals and materials. Current projects include research into strategies for the energy-efficient activation of CO2, including the formation of reversible Lewis base adducts, light-driven systems for CO2 fixation and the catalytic deoxygenation of CO2 to CO. Additionally, we are focused on advancing methods for the derivatization of SF6.
The development of catalysts to control chemical reactions has always been of central importance when it comes to producing useful materials with desirable properties in a sustainable way. Ligand design is an important tool for optimising the activity, productivity and selectivity of homogeneous catalysts. Our work focuses on creating new catalysts from abundant and nontoxic metals, aiming to replace traditional precious metal catalysts. This is achieved through advanced ligand design strategies, including metal-ligand and metal-metal cooperation, as well as redox-active and stimuli-responsive ligand systems.