Abstract

Two novel supramolecular complexes RuRe ([Ru(dceb)2(bpt)Re(CO)3Cl](PF6)) and RuPt ([Ru(dceb)2(bpt)PtI(H2O)](PF6)2) [dceb = diethyl(2,2′-bipyridine)-4,4′-dicarboxylate, bpt = 3,5-di(pyridine-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazolate] were synthesized as new catalysts for photocatalytic CO2 reduction and H2 evolution, respectively. The influence of the catalytic metal for successful catalysis in solution and on a NiO semiconductor was examined. IR-active handles in the form of carbonyl groups on the peripheral ligand on the photosensitiser were used to study the excited states populated, as well as the one-electron reduced intermediate species using infrared and UV-Vis spectroelectrochemistry, and time resolved infrared spectroscopy. Inclusion of ethyl-ester moieties led to a reduction in the LUMO energies on the peripheral bipyridine ligand, resulting in localization of the 3MLCT excited state on these peripheral ligands following excitation. RuPt generated hydrogen in solution and when immobilized on NiO in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. RuRe was inactive as a CO2 reduction catalyst in solution, and produced only trace amounts of CO when the photocatalyst was immobilized on NiO in a PEC cell saturated with CO2.

Highlights

  • The transition to renewable energy has become a key global objective due to the dwindling supply of fossil fuels, as well as the detrimental effect they have on the environment

  • Two novel supramolecular photocatalysts RuRe and RuPt were synthesized for CO2 reduction and H2 evolution, respectively

  • Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy on the picosecond to nanosecond timescale was used to probe the nature of the excited state

Read more

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The transition to renewable energy has become a key global objective due to the dwindling supply of fossil fuels, as well as the detrimental effect they have on the environment. In the case of the ester anchoring groups employed by us, they lower the triplet metal to ligand charge transfer (3MLCT) excited state localized on the peripheral ligand resulting in increased electron density on the peripheral ligands in the excited state While this reduces electron transfer to the metal centre via the bridging ligand (Tschierlei et al, 2010; Karnahl et al, 2011; Singh Bindra et al, 2012; Zedler et al, 2019), it might aid in storing the two reductive equivalents required for catalysis (Pan et al, 2016; Põldme et al, 2019). This helped us to assign the localization of the excited states following excitation

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.