posted on 2016-08-22, 17:54authored byCarolyn L. Hartley, Ryan J. DiRisio, Megan
E. Screen, Kathryn J. Mayer, William R. McNamara
A series of Fe(III)
complexes were recently reported that are stable and active electrocatalysts
for reducing protons into hydrogen gas. Herein, we report the incorporation
of these electrocatalysts into a photocatalytic system for hydrogen
production. Hydrogen evolution is observed when these catalysts are
paired with fluorescein (chromophore) and triethylamine (sacrificial
electron source) in a 1:1 ethanol:water mixture. The photocatalytic
system is highly active and stable, achieving TONs > 2100 (with
respect to catalyst) after 24 h. Catalysis proceeds through a reductive
quenching pathway with a quantum yield of over 3%.