H2 Binding Research Articles

Mechanistic Insight of High-Valent First-Row Transition Metal Complexes for Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane.

Designing an efficient and cost-effective catalyst for ammonia borane (AB) dehydrogenation remains a persistent challenge in advancing a hydrogen-based economy. Transition metal complexes, known for their C-H bond activation capabilities, have emerged as promising candidates for AB dehydrogenation. In this study, we investigated two recently synthesized C-H activation catalysts, 1 (CoIV-dinitrate complex) and 2 (NiIV-nitrate complex), and demonstrated their efficacy for AB dehydrogenation. Using density functional theory calculations and a detailed analysis, we elucidated the AB dehydrogenation mechanism of these complexes. Our results revealed that both complexes 1 and 2 can efficiently dehydrogenate AB at room temperature, although the abstraction of molecular H2 from these complexes requires slightly elevated temperatures. We utilized H2 binding free energy calculations to identify potentially active sites and observed that complex 2 can release two equivalents of H2 at a temperature slightly higher than room temperature. Furthermore, we investigated AB dehydrogenation kinetics and thermodynamics in iron (Fe)-substituted systems, complexes 3 and 4. Our results showed that the strategic alteration of the central metal atom, replacing Ni in complex 2 with Fe in complex 4, resulted in enhanced kinetics and thermodynamics for AB dehydrogenation in the initial cycle. These results underscore the potential of high-valent first-row transition metal complexes for facilitating AB dehydrogenation at room temperature. Additionally, our study highlights the beneficial impact of incorporating iron into such mononuclear systems, enhancing their catalytic activity.

Novel Graphene-Based Reversible Physisorption Materials for High Hydrogen Uptake

Carbon-based nanomaterials (graphene, carbon nanotube, microporous carbon, graphitic carbon etc.) are excellent H2 storage materials due to high molecular H2 uptake at the micropores and large H2 adsorption at the graphene network via the formation of dipoles in H2 molecules through London dispersion forces. On the other hand, incorporation of transition metal nanoparticles within the nanocarbon network facilitates dissociation of H2 molecules into constituents H-atoms over the metal nanoparticles, followed by diffusion into the carbon nano-matrix via ‘spill-over’ effect for polarization/hybridization of metal-hydrogen to create high H2 binding energy for high hydrogen adsorption. Therefore, a nanocomposite of graphene-microporous carbon-metal nanoparticle network is expected to deliver excellent H2 uptake capacity and acts as a novel reversible physisorption material for hydrogen storage applications, which is very important for sustainable renewable energy integration.A simple, cost effective sputtering method is used to fabricate metal incorporated graphitic microporous carbon film and differential resistance measurement showed high H2 uptake. Average number of graphene layer formation is dependent on sputtering parameters, which manifest bi-to-multilayer graphene. With increase in graphene layers, H2 adsorption also increases due to a fourfold effect: higher molecular hydrogen uptake at the graphene layers, more active sites into the micropores, promotion of molecular dissociation into atomic hydrogen by the metal nanoparticles, and the formation of hydrogenated carbon via destruction of the π-bonds.

Geometric Tuning of Coordinatively Unsaturated Copper(I) Sites in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Ambient-Temperature Hydrogen Storage.

Porous solids can accommodate and release molecular hydrogen readily, making them attractive for minimizing the energy requirements for hydrogen storage relative to physical storage systems. However, H2 adsorption enthalpies in such materials are generally weak (-3 to -7 kJ/mol), lowering capacities at ambient temperature. Metal-organic frameworks with well-defined structures and synthetic modularity could allow for tuning adsorbent-H2 interactions for ambient-temperature storage. Recently, Cu2.2Zn2.8Cl1.8(btdd)3 (H2btdd = bis(1H-1,2,3-triazolo-[4,5-b],[4',5'-i])dibenzo[1,4]dioxin; CuI-MFU-4l) was reported to show a large H2 adsorption enthalpy of -32 kJ/mol owing to π-backbonding from CuI to H2, exceeding the optimal binding strength for ambient-temperature storage (-15 to -25 kJ/mol). Toward realizing optimal H2 binding, we sought to modulate the π-backbonding interactions by tuning the pyramidal geometry of the trigonal CuI sites. A series of isostructural frameworks, Cu2.7M2.3X1.3(btdd)3 (M = Mn, Cd; X = Cl, I; CuIM-MFU-4l), was synthesized through postsynthetic modification of the corresponding materials M5X4(btdd)3 (M = Mn, Cd; X = CH3CO2, I). This strategy adjusts the H2 adsorption enthalpy at the CuI sites according to the ionic radius of the central metal ion of the pentanuclear cluster node, leading to -33 kJ/mol for M = ZnII (0.74 Å), -27 kJ/mol for M = MnII (0.83 Å), and -23 kJ/mol for M = CdII (0.95 Å). Thus, CuICd-MFU-4l provides a second, more stable example of optimal H2 binding energy for ambient-temperature storage among reported metal-organic frameworks. Structural, computational, and spectroscopic studies indicate that a larger central metal planarizes trigonal CuI sites, weakening the π-backbonding to H2.

Enhanced H2 storage in silicene through lithium decoration and single vacancy and Stone‐Wales defects: A density functional theory investigation

AbstractDefect engineering and metal decoration onto 2‐D materials have gained major attention as a means of creating viable hydrogen storage materials. This Density Functional Theory (DFT) based study presents lithium decorated single vacancy (SV) and Stone‐Wales (SW) defective silicene as a viable media for storing hydrogen via physisorption. Introducing defects increases the Li adatom's binding energy from −2.36 eV in pristine silicene to −3.44 and −2.73 eV in SV and SW silicene, respectively, preventing Li adatom clustering. The presence of defects and Li adatom further aid hydrogen adsorption onto the substrates with binding energies present between the US‐DOE set range of −0.2 to −0.7 eV/H2 with the highest binding energy measured to be −0.389 eV/H2. The enhanced H2 binding energies are a result of a combined contribution of the Li(p) and Li(s) orbitals with the H(s) orbital with an indirect electronic transfer from the silicene substrate to the Li adatom. Upon double side Li decoration, both the Li‐decorated defective systems were able to effectively store multiple H2 molecules up to 28 H2 with the highest gravimetric density being 5.97 wt%. Ab Initio molecular dynamic simulations conducted at 300 K and 310 K confirm the stability of the Li adatom as well as the adsorbed H2 molecules at room temperature and establish the viability of these systems as effective, high gravimetric density, physisorption‐based hydrogen storage media.

Exploring hydrogen binding and activation on transition metal-modified circumcoronene

AbstractGraphene-based materials modified with transition metals, and their potential utilization as hydrogen storage devices, are extensively studied in the last decades. Despite this widespread interest, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between graphene-based transition metal systems and H2 molecules remains incomplete. Beyond fundamental H2 adsorption, the activation of H2 molecule, crucial for catalytic reactions and hydrogenation processes, may occur on the transition metal center. In this study, binding modes of H2 molecules on the circumcoronene (CC) decorated with Cr or Fe atoms are investigated using the DFT methods. Side-on (η2-dihydrogen bond), end-on and dissociation modes of H2 binding are explored for high (HS) and low (LS) spin states. Spin state energetics, reaction energies, QTAIM and DOS analysis are considered. Our findings revealed that CC decorated with Cr (CC-Cr) emerges as a promising material for H2 storage, with the capacity to store up to three H2 molecules on a single Cr atom. End-on interaction in HS is preferred for the first two H2 molecules bound to CC-Cr, while the side-on LS is favored for three H2 molecules. In contrast, CC decorated with Fe (CC-Fe) demonstrates the capability to activate H2 through H–H bond cleavage, a process unaffected by the presence of other H2 molecules in the vicinity of the Fe atom, exclusively favoring the HS state. In summary, our study sheds light on the intriguing binding and activation properties of H2 molecules on graphene-based transition metal systems, offering valuable insights into their potential applications in hydrogen storage and catalysis. Graphical abstract

Tetraoxa[8]circulene monolayer as hydrogen storage material: model with Boys–Bernardi corrections within density functional theory

The parameters of molecular hydrogen adsorption on a tetraoxa[8]circulene monolayer were studied using the density functional theory with dispersion interaction corrections (semi-empirical and analytical). The calculations were carried out using two different approaches to the system wave function representation: atomic-like orbital basis set and plane wave basis. Utilizing a less computationally expensive pseudoatomic basis, it is possible to obtain results for molecular hydrogen adsorption consistent with values calculated with plane waves if the atomic-like basis is optimized and basis set superposition error is corrected for both hydrogen binding energy and geometrical characteristics. Otherwise, the H2 binding energy will be overestimated by 4–6 times (sometimes even more, by 20); and the hydrogen-monolayer distance will be underestimated by 10-20%. The obtained optimized parameters of the pseudoatomic basis set can be used for further study of the modified forms of the tetraoxa[8]circulene monolayer. Moreover, our calculations showed that the hydrogen binding to a pristine tetraoxa[8]circulene monolayer is predominantly van der Waals with an energy of 60–90 meV, which is several times less than the desired range of 200–600 meV. To achieve such values, it will be necessary to modify the surface of the monolayer, creating more active sorption cites, for example, by decorating it with metals or applying structural defects.

Adsorption of molecular hydrogen on Be3Al2(SiO3)6-beryl: theoretical insights for catalysis, hydrogen storage, gas separation, sensing, and environmental applications.

Employing a combination of Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, the adsorption of molecular hydrogen (H2) on Be3Al2(SiO3)6-beryl, a prominent silicate mineral, has been studied. The crystal structure of beryl, which consists of interconnected tetrahedral and octahedral sites, provides a fascinating framework for comprehending H2 adsorption behavior. Initial investigation of the interaction between H2 molecules and the beryl surface employed DFT calculations. We identified favorable adsorption sites and gained insight into the binding mechanism through extensive structural optimizations and energy calculations. H2 molecules preferentially adsorb on the exposed oxygen atoms surrounding the octahedral sites, producing weak van der Waals interactions with the beryl surface, according to our findings. To further investigate the dynamic aspects of H2 adsorption, MD simulations employing a suitable force field were conducted. To precisely represent interatomic interactions within the Be3Al2(SiO3)6-beryl-H2 system, the force field parameters were meticulously parameterized. By subjecting the system to a variety of temperatures, we were able to obtain valuable information about the stability, diffusion, and desorption kinetics of H2 molecules within the beryl structure. The comprehensive understanding of the H2 adsorption phenomenon on Be3Al2(SiO3)6-beryl is provided by the combined DFT and MD investigations. The results elucidate the mechanisms underlying H2 binding, highlighting the role of surface oxygen atoms and the effect of temperature on H2 dynamics. This research contributes to a fundamental understanding of hydrogen storage and release in beryllium-based silicates and provides valuable guidance for the design and optimization of materials for hydrogen storage, catalysis, gas separation, sensing and environmental applications.

Vanadium-decorated 2D polyaramid material for high-capacity hydrogen storage: Insights from DFT simulations

Herein, systematic computational investigations comprising density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMD) have been conducted to assess the viability of vanadium decoration over the newly synthesized 2D polyaramid material (2DPA-I) as a potentially reversible hydrogen storage substrate for light fuel cell vehicles. The binding energies of V at different positions over 2DPA-I were compared, and the optimum site for V decoration was in the plane of 2DPA-I. The H2 binding ability of V-decorated 2DPA-I was improved over that of pristine 2DPA-I by 185.71 %. A single V atom decorated over 2DPA-I can effectively bind 7 H2 molecules, with a gravimetric H2 storage capacity of ~7.3 wt% and desorption temperature ~330 K at a favourable binding energy window (~−0.4 eV) to facilitate reversible H2 binding. V-decorated 2DPA-I remained stable at elevated temperatures as verified by AIMD simulations, and a substantial energy barrier of ~3 eV exists for the movement of the V atom across the 2DPA-I surface. The interaction of V with 2DPA-I and H2 with V-decorated 2DPA-I proceeds with a charge flow from the V atom towards H2 and 2DPA-I, respectively. The binding energy and charge transfer analysis of the interaction of H2 with V-decorated 2DPA-I indicates possible Kubas interactions. We predict that V-decorated 2DPA-I has immense potential for on-board H2 storage applications in light fuel cell vehicles.

Catalyst Engineering for the Selective Reduction of CO2 to CH4: A First-Principles Study on X-MOF-74 (X = Mg, Mn, Fe, Co,Ni, Cu, Zn).

The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into more valuable chemical compounds represents a critical objective for addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainable energy sources. The CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) holds promise for transforming CO2 into versatile feedstock materials and fuels. Leveraging first-principles methodologies provides a robust approach to evaluate catalysts and steer experimental efforts. In this study, we examine the CO2RR process using a diverse array of representative cluster models derived from X-MOF-74 (where X encompasses Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, or Zn) through first-principles methods. Notably, our investigation highlights the Fe-MOF-74 cluster's unique attributes, including favorable CO2 binding and the lowest limiting potential of the studied clusters for converting CO2 to methane (CH4) at 0.32 eV. Our analysis identified critical factors driving the selective CO2RR pathway, enabling the formation CH4 on the Fe-MOF-74 cluster. These factors involve less favorable reduction of hydrogen to H2 and strong binding affinities between the Fe open-metal site and reduction intermediates, effectively curtailing desorption processes of closed-shell intermediates such as formic acid (HCOOH), formaldehyde (CH2O), and methanol (CH3OH), to lead to selective CH4 formation.

Structural and functional analysis of vaccinia viral fusion complex component protein A28 through NMR and molecular dynamic simulations.

Host cell entry of vaccinia virus (a poxvirus) proceeds through multiple steps that involve many viral proteins to mediate cell infection. Upon binding to cells, vaccinia virus membrane fuses with host membranes via a viral entry fusion protein complex comprising 11 proteins: A16, A21, A28, F9, G3, G9, H2, J5, L1, L5 and O3. Despite vaccinia virus having two infectious forms, mature and enveloped, that have different membrane layers, both forms require an identical viral entry fusion complex for membrane fusion. Components of the poxvirus entry fusion complex that have been structurally assessed to date share no known homology with all other type I, II and III viral fusion proteins, and the large number of fusion protein components renders it a unique system to investigate poxvirus-mediated membrane fusion. Here, we determined the NMR structure of a truncated version of vaccinia A28 protein. We also expressed a soluble H2 protein and showed that A28 interacts with H2 protein at a 1:1 ratio in vitro. Furthermore, we performed extensive in vitro alanine mutagenesis to identify A28 protein residues that are critical for H2 binding, entry fusion complex formation, and virus-mediated membrane fusion. Finally, we used molecular dynamic simulations to model full-length A28-H2 subcomplex in membranes. In summary, we characterized vaccinia virus A28 protein and determined residues important in its interaction with H2 protein and membrane components. We also provide a structural model of the A28-H2 protein interaction to illustrate how it forms a 1:1 subcomplex on a modeled membrane.

Effect of surface curvature on the hydrogen storage capacity of the Sc-, Ti-, and V-doped graphene surfaces: Theoretical study

Hydrogen (H2) is an excellent energy carrier and can be produced in an environmentally friendly way. The H2 binding performance of different Sc-, Ti-, and V-doped carbon surfaces (i.e., graphenes, circumcoronenes, and circumtrindenes) is investigated using density functional theory. The calculated H2 binding energies are ranging from −12 kJ mol−1 to −22 kJ mol−1 for one H2 molecule per transition metal (TM) atom. Such binding energies are suitable for reversible H2 adsorption and desorption cycle. Obtained results suggest that the curvature of the TM-doped carbon surfaces enhances their H2 binding ability. TM atom in the curved carbon surfaces, representing an active site, is sterically more easily accessible for H2 binding than in the case of the planar metal-doped graphene surfaces. For comparison, the N2 binding ability of the same set of TM-doped carbon surfaces is studied as well.

Preparation of Ni@Pd Core-Shell Nanoparticles Supported on KIT-6 by Ultrasound-Assisted Galvanic Replacement for Dodecahydro-N-ethylcarbazole Dehydrogenation.

Using Ni as a template and reductant, Ni core-Pd shell nanoparticles (Ni@Pd NPs) supported on KIT-6 (Ni@Pd/K6) were prepared by a galvanic replacement reaction under ultrasonic radiation. The characterization results show that the Ni@Pd core-shell NPs with an average diameter of 1.9 ± 0.3 nm are uniformly dispersed on KIT-6. The d-band center position of Pd in Ni@Pd core-shell NPs can be affected by both ligand and strain effects. The relationship between the d-band center of Pd and the selectivity of intermediates is a nearly straight curve. The dehydrogenation efficiency of dodecahydro-N-ethylcarbazole on Ni@Pd(6:1)/K6 is 100% only for 3 h at 180 °C and 95.5% for 6 h at 160 °C, which is better than the reported catalysts. The outstanding catalytic dehydrogenation performance of Ni@Pd(6:1)/K6 can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the ligand and strain effect, the high dispersion of core-shell NPs, and the weak H2 binding ability of the catalyst.

Calcium-Decorated Polygon-Graphenes for Hydrogen Storage

We performed first-principles calculations to investigate hydrogen (H2) storage properties of bare and calcium (Ca)-decorated polygon-graphenes, i.e., biphenylene and ψ-graphene monolayers consisting of polygons, from tetragons to octagons. In pristine forms, both biphenylene and ψ-graphene bind H2 weakly. However, upon Ca doping, biphenylene adsorbed up to five H2 molecules regardless of polygonal sites, whereas ψ-graphene anchored up to six and five H2 molecules to pentagonal and heptagonal sites, respectively. In all the cases, the H2 binding energy was ∼0.30 eV, enabling reversible room-temperature H2 storage. The H2 storage capacity can reach ∼6.8 and ∼4.2 wt % for Ca-decorated biphenylene and ψ-graphene, respectively. Using equilibrium thermodynamics, we showed the adsorption and desorption of H2 at 300 and 380 K under ambient pressure, respectively. This clearly indicates that Ca-decorated 2D sp2 carbon sheets with polygons (biphenylene, ψ-graphene) could be used as promising H2 storage materials.

What induces the dense storage of hydrogen of liquid- or solid-like density levels in carbon nanopores with sub-1 nm diameters?

Hydrogen energy is promising renewable energy and specifically, hydrogen storage is a bottleneck to commercializing hydrogen energy. Researchers have relied on the synthesis of porous materials in physisorption and lowering the H2 binding energy of hydride materials in chemisorption, all of which have been conducted in a similar manner respectively. However, the development of hydrogen storage materials applicable to onboard system isn't found yet. Hence, we examined the phenomenon of eccentric H2 storage in carbon nanopores with sub-1 nm diameters reported earlier, finding a lack of deep research on the fundamentals of this phenomenon. We formulate a hypothesis of H2 storage by intrinsic EMF (IEMF) interaction and firstly discover that in contrast to general intuition, the neutral carbon nanopore forms a significant IEMF even without an external EMF. Moreover, we confirm the difference of IEMF inside the nanopore from that outside the nanopore due to the overlap between the graphene layers and demonstrate that the resultant IEMF inside the nanopore governs the H2 storage in the carbon nanopore. This result will shed light on all the other areas related to abnormal phenomena in nanopores with sub-1 nm diameters.

Assessing the Effect of Dopants on the C-H Activation Activity of γ-Al2 O3 using First-Principles Calculations.

In recent years, the high availability of methane in the shale gas reserves has raised significant interest in its conversion to high-value chemicals but this process is still not commercially viable. Metal oxides, due to their surface heterogeneity and the presence of Lewis acidic and basic site pairs are known to facilitate the activation of C-H bonds of methane. In this work, we investigate the C-H bond activation of methane on pristine and doped γ-Al2 O3 clusters using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results demonstrate that the polar pathway is energetically preferred over the radical pathway on these systems. We found that the metal dopants (boron and gallium) not only alter the catalytic activity of dopant sites but this effect is more pronounced on some of the adjacent sites (non-local). Among the selected dopants, gallium greatly improves the catalytic activity on most of the site pairs (including most active and least active) of pristine γ-Al2 O3 . Additionally, we identified a correlation between H2 binding energies and the C-H activation free energies on Ga-doped γ-Al2 O3 .

Tuning Metal-Dihydrogen Interaction in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Hydrogen Storage.

Inspired by a recently reported metal-organic framework (MOF), V2Cl2.8(btdd) [H2btdd = bis(1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-b],[4',5'-i])dibenzo[1,4]dioxin], that shows a greatly improved H2 adsorption enthalpy, we employ density functional theory to probe how the number of d electrons and the mixed valences influence the M-H2 interaction inside the M2Clx(btdd) MOFs. We find a cliff in the H2 adsorption energy: the interaction strength remains strong from Sc to V and then falls sharply at Cr. Our results confirm V2Cl2.8(btdd) as one of the best performing hydrogen adsorbents and predict that Ti2Cl2.8(btdd) is equally promising while Sc2Cl2(btdd) and Ti2Cl2(btdd) may be even better. Our analysis indicates that an empty dx2-y2 orbital is the key to the much stronger binding of H2 at the open M(II) site (M = Sc, Ti, or V), whereas a partially filled dx2-y2 orbital in Cr(II) and later M(II) greatly weakens H2 binding. Our findings will be useful in designing MOFs to enhance H2 adsorption.

Where to go for the Development of High-Performance H2 Storage Materials at Ambient Conditions?

Hydrogen is expected to overcome energy resource depletion because it is the most abundant element in the universe and because an ideal hydrogen energy cycle has the potential to exploit energy infinitely. Conventionally, hydrogen storage utilizes compression under high pressure (350–700 bar) into a tank and liquefaction in the cryotemperature regime (20 K). To mitigate the impractical operating conditions researchers have conducted adsorption-dependent research to increase the specific surface area (SSA) in physisorption and to decrease the H2 binding energy in chemisorption. Nevertheless, these strategies are still unlikely to reach the required the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) targets. To this end, researchers have tried to find hydrogen storage material to fit the H2 binding energy between the physisorption region and chemisorption region. Previous governing parameters, the SSA, and the H2 binding energy show no correlation to gravimetric H2 storage capacity (GHSC). In addition, no correlation between the H2 densification index (HDI) and the H2 binding energy is found as well, which means the latter cannot describe the H2-adsorbent interaction thoroughly. The several notable findings presented here suggest that the development of high-performance H2 storage materials can be realized through the optimal modulation of an underlying parameter that dominates the H2-adsorbent interaction. This paper highlights the necessity of research on what the underlying parameter that dominates the H2-adsorbent interaction is and on how it affects GHSC to develop H2 storage materials that meet the DOE targets.Graphical abstract

Tailoring the hydrogen storage performance of the Cr-, Mn-, and Fe-doped circumcoronenes by the presence of N and B co-dopants: Computational study

Reliance of human population on quickly depleting fossil fuels stimulates a search for sustainable alternatives. Hydrogen represents one of the most promising candidates to replace the largely consumed fossil fuels. One of the crucial issues of the hydrogen cycle is the H2 gas storage under ambient conditions. Hence, a search for effective H2 storage devices is of urge importance. The H2 storage capacity of the Cr-, Mn-, and Fe-doped circumcoronenes (CCs) in the presence of N and B co-dopants is investigated at the DFT level of theory. Obtained results suggest that the presence of N co-dopants significantly enhances the affinity of the studied systems towards H2 binding, which consequently leads to improved H2 storage properties. Moreover, the presence of three N co-dopants energetically stabilizes the Cr-, Mn-, and Fe-doped CCs in their low-spin states, which are the most suitable for the H2 adsorption. In addition, the H2 adsorption performance of the Mn–3N-doped CCs can be altered by the oxidation and reduction. This finding indicates that an application of the external electric potential may control the H2 release-and-capture mechanism in Mn-doped CC storage devices. In addition, the metal-doped CC cation appears as the energetically preferred form (metal-doped CC is a strong reducing agent when compared to the ferrocene couple).

Unraveling the Mechanistic Details of Ru-Bis(pyridyl)borate Complex Catalyst for the Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane.

Ru-Bis(pyridyl)borate complex (CAT) is an efficient catalyst for ammonia borane (AB) dehydrogenation. Although the mechanistic pathway of this catalyst has been theoretically investigated previously, the gap between the experimental findings and the computational results could not be bridged thus far. In our study, using density functional theory calculations, we elucidate the mechanism of AB dehydrogenation of CAT at a variable degree of ligand hydrogenation. Our results confirm that the acetonitrile ligands get reduced in the presence of AB and remain hydrogenated. Moreover, in line with experiments, we find that AB dehydrogenation on CAT proceeds via a concerted mechanism (with the free energy energetic span between 25.4 and 32.5 kcal/mol). We find that the ligand reduction alters the electronic structure and activity of CAT and the highest activity of the catalyst is expected at the fifth degree of hydrogenation of ligands with an energetic span of 25.4 kcal/mol. Additionally, the mechanism for the removal of molecular H2 from the catalysts also alters with the degree of ligand hydrogenation. Furthermore, our results show that optimal H2 binding free energy calculations can be used as a descriptor to identify the most active sites. Finally, this work demonstrates that ligand reduction improves the activity of the catalyst. These results highlight the importance of ligand hydrogenation in probing the activity and operating mechanism of the Ru-bis(pyridyl)borate complexes for AB dehydrogenation. Further, we identify a plausible dimer structure and rationalized experimental observation that the deactivation chemistry of this catalyst is different from the Shvo's catalyst.

Time-Resolved Infrared Spectroscopy Reveals the pH-Independence of the First Electron Transfer Step in the [FeFe] Hydrogenase Catalytic Cycle.

[FeFe] hydrogenases are highly active catalysts for hydrogen conversion. Their active site has two components: a [4Fe−4S] electron relay covalently attached to the H2 binding site and a diiron cluster ligated by CO, CN–, and 2-azapropane-1,3-dithiolate (ADT) ligands. Reduction of the [4Fe−4S] site was proposed to be coupled with protonation of one of its cysteine ligands. Here, we used time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectroscopy on the [FeFe] hydrogenase from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CrHydA1) containing a propane-1,3-dithiolate (PDT) ligand instead of the native ADT ligand. The PDT modification does not affect the electron transfer step to [4Fe−4S]H but prevents the enzyme from proceeding further through the catalytic cycle. We show that the rate of the first electron transfer step is independent of the pH, supporting a simple electron transfer rather than a proton-coupled event. These results have important implications for our understanding of the catalytic mechanism of [FeFe] hydrogenases and highlight the utility of TRIR.