Catálogo de Investigaciones | 2013-2014

61 CATÁLOGO DE INVESTIGACIONES | AÑO ACADÉMICO 2013 -2014 The Role of Functionalized Graphene Nanoribbons in Homogeneus Catalysis The aim of this research project is to develop synthetic strategies to produce organometallic-functionalized graphene nanoribbons that can be used as homogeneous catalysts and to study catalytic-revelant reactions that may decrease the catalyst’s activity. A catalyst is a substance which increases the rate at which a chemical reactions approaches equilibrium regenerating itself after a full cycle by providing a low energy alternate reacting route. The expectation is, in addition to produce novel catalysts, to unravel key mechanistic aspects in homogenous catalysis where until recently unknown reactions negatively affect the catalytic performance and clouds the understanding of the catalyst’s mechanisms of action. The specific goals of this proposal are: 1) to create new more efficient and long lasting catalysts, 2) to improve the quality of existent catalysts; 3) to improve the knowledge- base about how these catalysts cycle; 4) to promote an epistemological conscious scientific community by fostering among students’ metacognitive activities. paola gonzález negrón propuesta institucional mentor: dr. elvin igartua nieves graphene nanoribbons homogeneus catalysis wulkinson’s catalyst chemical kinetics organometallic complexes