Synthesis, characterization, luminescent, and catalytic performance of a dinuclear triazenido–silver complex

Abstract

Our group has developed a series of molecular electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation based on triazenido–metal complexes (such as cobalt, copper, etc.). In this paper, we present the electrocatalytic performance of a new dinuclear silver complex, [Ag2(L)2], formed by reaction of the triazenido ligand, 1-[(2-carboxyethyl)benzene]-3-[benzimidazole]triazene (HL) with AgNO3. The electrocatalytic systems based on this silver complex can afford 91.23 and 473 moles of hydrogen per mole of catalyst per hour (mol H2/mol catalyst/h) from acetic acid at overpotential (OP) of 991.6 mV and an aqueous buffer at an OP of 837.6 mV, respectively. Electrochemical investigations show both the silver center and the triazenido ligand, HL, play important roles in determining the catalytic activities of the electrocatalytic system. Additionally, the triazenido ligand (HL) can serve as a fluorescent sensor for Ag+.