Revolutionising solar energy: Seyi Adekoya’s breakthroughs with Iron(II) complexes for clean power

The demand for sustainable and scalable energy solutions has never been greater as the world transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Central to this shift is the need for efficient solar energy conversion and storage materials that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. While platinum-group metals like ruthenium and iridium have historically dominated solar energy applications, their scarcity and high costs present significant challenges for large-scale deployment. Seyi Bowale Adekoya’s research is dedicated to revolutionising the field by leveraging iron(II) complexes—abundant, affordable, and chemically versatile alternatives—to drive the next generation of solar energy technologies.

Iron, as one of the Earth’s most abundant transition metals, offers a compelling solution to the limitations of traditional solar energy materials. Seyi Bowale Adekoya’s work focuses on the design, synthesis, and electrochemical analysis of iron(II) polypyridine and sulfoxide complexes, with the goal of enhancing their efficiency in light absorption, energy conversion, and storage.

Through a combination of ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared spectroscopy, and electrochemical studies, Adekoya investigates how molecular structure influences electronic transitions and chemical reactivity. Seyi Bowale Adekoya’s findings demonstrate that these iron complexes can undergo reversible photoinduced transformations, allowing for efficient light-driven charge separation and energy storage. By fine-tuning ligand frameworks and solvent interactions, Adekoya has shown that the redox potential of these systems can be strategically modified, paving the way for their integration into scalable solar energy technologies.

One of the most pressing challenges in solar energy adoption is the ability to store excess energy for use when sunlight is unavailable. Seyi Bowale Adekoya’s research explores how iron(II) complexes can function as molecular switches for energy storage, ensuring a continuous and stable energy supply. By investigating their electrochemical behaviour, Adekoya is developing strategies to enhance their longevity, charge retention, and overall energy efficiency. These efforts are crucial for bridging the gap between intermittent solar energy generation and real-world energy demands.

Additionally, Seyi Bowale Adekoya’s work contributes to understanding how ligand modifications influence metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) lifetimes—a key factor in designing efficient iron-based chromophores. By optimising these complexes, Adekoya aims to create sustainable materials that rival or surpass traditional precious metal-based systems in performance, while remaining economically viable for widespread use.

The advancement of iron(II) complexes for solar energy applications marks a significant step towards achieving a carbon-neutral future. By replacing rare and expensive metals with iron-based alternatives, we can make clean energy more accessible and sustainable. Seyi Bowale Adekoya’s research not only deepens the understanding of transition metal electrochemical behaviour but also has practical applications in energy harvesting, photocatalysis, and beyond.

As a dedicated researcher in inorganic chemistry and material science, Adekoya is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation to create real-world solutions that will drive the future of clean energy. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and continued exploration of iron-based materials, we can develop transformative technologies that address global energy challenges while minimising environmental impact. By investing in these advancements today, we can ensure a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape for generations to come.