The photoinduced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by decamethylruthenocene, Cp2RuII (Cp=C5Me5), is reported. The use of a metallocene to photoproduce hydrogen is presented as an alternative strategy to reduce protons without involving an additional photosensitizer. The mechanism was investigated by (spectro)electrochemical and spectroscopic (UV/Vis and 1H NMR) measurements. The photoactivated hydride involved was characterized spectroscopically and the resulting [Cp2*RuIII]+ species was electrochemically regenerated in situ on a fluorinated tin oxide electrode surface. A promising internal quantum yield of 25 % was obtained. Optimal experimental conditions— especially the use of weakly coordinating solvent and counterions—are discussed.
Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Peng Gao, Ye Yang, Chaohui Li
Jun Ho Yum, Kevin Sivula, Jiyoun Seo, Jovana Milic, Yeonju Kim
Christophe Ballif, Aïcha Hessler-Wyser, Quentin Thomas Jeangros, Beat Ruhstaller, Mostafa Rabie Shlaly Bahr Othman, Daniel Anthony Jacobs, Christian Michael Wolff, Anaël Morgane Jaffrès, Austin George Kuba