Sintesi di complessi organometallici di rutenio e iridio e studio della loro attività catalitica per l'ossidazione dell'acqua. Synthesis of organometallic ruthenium and iridium complexes and investigation of their potential as water oxidation catalysts.

In this thesis a brief introduction about today’s energy situation, natural photosynthesis and its connection to artificial photosynthesis is presented in Chapter 1. The most significant mechanistic aspects of water oxidation are also introduced. Finally, an analysis of the state-of-the-art of the most relevant catalysts related to this PhD thesis is also presented and the features regulating their catalytic performance highlighted. The synthesis, characterization, redox properties and catalytic activity of two new families of ruthenium(II) complexes based on N-donor polydentate ligands are described in Chapters 3 and 4. In chapter 5, the synthesis of new iridium(III) complexes containing tetramethylcyclopentadienyl ligands variably substituted is presented. Their catalytic activity, evaluated in NaIO4 driven water oxidation, has been found to be strongly affected by the nature of the substituent.