Dr. Samaresh Chandra Sau

Molecular Catalysis for Sustainability

The present research focuses on the design and synthesis of catalytically active molecular electron-transfer mediators for sustainable electrochemical nitrogen reduction to ammonia and carbon monoxide reduction to alcohols and higher-chain hydrocarbons. This project involves comprehensive mechanistic investigations of the reactivity of these organometallic complexes, addressing key challenges in the electrocatalytic and sustainable reduction of small molecules. The overarching goal is to develop and establish catalytic strategies for the production of alternative energy carriers, including methanol, ethylene, and other liquid fuels,to help mitigate the growing global energy crisis and advance carbon-neutral technologies.

My long-term goal is to pursue an independent academic career in sustainable catalysis, building on my experience in organometallic synthesis, electrochemistry, photochemistry, small-molecule activation (CO, CO₂, and NH₃), and main-group catalysis. In addition, my work on industry-funded projects has strengthened my interest in connecting fundamental molecular research with practical applications in the chemical and energy sectors.

My current postdoctoral research at Rutgers University-Camden (Department of Chemistry, New Jersey, USA) focuses on developing “Molecular electron-transfer mediators with catalytically active cores for electrochemical nitrogen reduction and the reductive coupling of carbon monoxide”.

My Significant Publications

"Dicationic Acridinium/Carbene Hybrids as Strongly Oxidizing Photocatalysts"

S. C. Sau, M. Schmitz, C. Burdenski, M. Baumert, P. W. Antoni, C. Kerzig, M. M. Hansmann

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 3416–3426. 

Publication

"Cobaltaelectro Catalyzed C−H Activation with Carbon Monoxide or Isocyanides"

S. C. Sau, R. Mei, J. Struwe, L. Ackermann

ChemSusChem 2019, 12, 3023–3027.

Publication

"Transforming Atmospheric CO2 into Alternative Fuels: A Metal-Free Approach under Ambient Conditions"

S. C. Sau, R. Bhattacharjee, P. K. Hota, P. K. Vardhanapu, G. Vijaykumar, R. Govindarajan, A. Datta, S. K. Mandal

Chem. Sci. 2019, 10, 1879–1884.

Publication

Metal-Free Reduction of CO2 to Methoxyborane under Ambient Conditions through Borondiformate Formation

S. C. Sau, R. Bhattacharjee, P. K. Vardhanapu, G. Vijaykumar, A. Datta, S. K. Mandal

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 15147–15151.

Publication

"Abnormal N-Heterocyclic Carbene Palladium Complex: Living Catalyst for Activation of Aryl Chlorides in Suzuki-Miyaura Cross Coupling"

S. C. Sau, S. Santra, T. K. Sen, S. K. Mandal, D. Koley

Chem. Commun. 2012, 48, 555–557.

Publication
All Publications
Google Scholar - Samaresh Chandra Sau

Dr. Samaresh Chandra Sau
Postdoctoral Associate
Rutgers University-Camden
Department of Chemistry
Science Building, Penn Street 315
Room 315, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
Mobile No. (856)-484-1669
 Email: ss5924@camden.rutges.edu
 Email: samaresh.sau@gmail.com


Contact Form

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly.