General Lab Information

Artificial Photosynthesis banner image

Artificial Photosynthesis

Effects of a Proximal Base on Water Oxidation and Proton Reduction Catalyzed by Geometric Isomers of [Ru(tpy)(pynap)(OH2)]2+

The importance of pendent bases in promoting proton-coupled electron-transfer (PCET) reactions with low activation barriers has been discussed for H+ reduction or H2 oxidation in MeCN by many groups. PCET is also essential for the 4e– oxidation of water in order to mitigate charge buildup and to reduce overpotential. We investigated the redox and spectroscopic properties, and report the intriguing catalytic activity for the oxidation of H2O and the reduction of protons with geometric isomers of Ru complexes with pendent bases. While 1(OH2)2+ shows catalytic activity toward proton reduction, but not toward water oxidation, the geometric isomer, 2(OH2)2+, exhibits the opposite behavior.

About the AP Group

We pursue the goal of advancing fundamental knowledge of processes leading to efficient conversion of sunlight to viable chemical fuels. We design and study chemical systems whose reactivity is inspired by natural photosynthesis, in which green plants convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and carbohydrates.