Noncovalent immobilization of electrocatalysts on carbon electrodes for fuel production.
We show that molecular catalysts for fuel-forming reactions can be immobilized on graphitic carbon electrode surfaces via noncovalent interactions. A pyrene-appended bipyridine ligand (P) serves as the linker between each complex and the surface. Immobilization of a rhodium proton-reduction catalyst, [Cp*Rh(P)Cl]Cl (1), and a rhenium CO2-reduction catalyst, Re(P)(CO)3Cl (2), afford electrocatalytically active assemblies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemistry confirm catalyst immobilization. Reduction of 1 in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid results in catalytic H2 production, while reduction of 2 in the presence of CO2 results in catalytic CO production.
Beckman Institute, and Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology , 1200 East California Boulevard, Mail Code 139-74, Pasadena, California 91125, United States.
James D
JD
Blakemore
Ayush
A
Gupta
Jeffrey J
JJ
Warren
Bruce S
BS
Brunschwig
Harry B
HB
Gray