Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic properties of diiron mimic modified Nano Silica

Abstract

Diiron mimic modified Nano Silica (1) was synthesized in three steps. The intermediate (2, 3) and final product (1) were characterized by SEM (EDX), elemental analysis, FT-IR, XRD, TG-DTA and AAS. The diiron mimic modified Nano Silica (1) could be considered as a new heterogeneous [FeFe]-hydrogenase model. In addition, 1 was applied to a photocatalytic hydrogen production system which made up of photosensitizer ([Ir(ppy)2(bpy)]PF6), electron sacrifice (TEA), proton source (H2O) and solvent (acetonitrile). The turnover number was 324 for surface modified catalyst and 60 for photosensitizer in 5h of illumination. The study of the recovered catalyst found that most of the catalysts were broken down within 5h of catalytic reaction.