Supramolecular Water Oxidation with Ru-bda-Based Catalysts

Evolution in the Design of Water Oxidation Catalysts with Transition-Metals: A Perspective on Biological, Molecular, Supramolecular, and Hybrid Approaches

Increased demand for a carbon-neutral sustainable energy scheme augmented by climatic threats motivates the design and exploration of novel approaches that reserve intermittent solar energy in the form of chemical bonds in molecules and materials. In this context, inspired by biological processes, artificial photosynthesis has garnered significant attention as a promising solution to convert solar power into chemical fuels from abundantly found H2O. Among the two redox half-reactions in artificial photosynthesis, the four-electron oxidation of water according to 2H2O → O2 + 4H+ + 4e- comprises the major bottleneck and is a severe impediment toward sustainable energy production. As such, devising new catalytic platforms, with traditional concepts of molecular, materials and biological catalysis and capable of integrating the functional architectures of the natural oxygen-evolving complex in photosystem II would certainly be a value-addition toward this objective. In this review, we discuss the progress in construction of ideal water oxidation catalysts (WOCs), starting with the ingenuity of the biological design with earth-abundant transition metal ions, which then diverges into molecular, supramolecular and hybrid approaches, blurring any existing chemical or conceptual boundaries. We focus on the geometric, electronic, and mechanistic understanding of state-of-the-art homogeneous transition-metal containing molecular WOCs and summarize the limiting factors such as choice of ligands and predominance of environmentally unrewarding and expensive noble-metals, necessity of high-valency on metal, thermodynamic instability of intermediates, and reversibility of reactions that create challenges in construction of robust and efficient water oxidation catalyst. We highlight how judicious heterogenization of atom-efficient molecular WOCs in supramolecular and hybrid approaches put forth promising avenues to alleviate the existing problems in molecular catalysis, albeit retaining their fascinating intrinsic reactivities. Taken together, our overview is expected to provide guiding principles on opportunities, challenges, and crucial factors for designing novel water oxidation catalysts based on a synergy between conventional and contemporary methodologies that will incite the expansion of the domain of artificial photosynthesis.

Green Energy by Hydrogen Production from Water Splitting, Water Oxidation Catalysis and Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling

In this review, we want to explain how the burning of fossil fuels is pushing us towards green energy. Actually, for a long time, we have believed that everything is profitable, that resources are unlimited and there are no consequences. However, the reality is often disappointing. The use of non-renewable resources, the excessive waste production and the abandonment of the task of recycling has created a fragile thread that, once broken, may never restore itself. Metaphors aside, we are talking about our planet, the Earth, and its unique ability to host life, including ourselves. Our world has its balance; when the wind erodes a mountain, a beach appears, or when a fire devastates an area, eventually new life emerges from the ashes. However, humans have been distorting this balance for decades. Our evolving way of living has increased the number of resources that each person consumes, whether food, shelter, or energy; we have overworked everything to exhaustion. Scientists worldwide have already said actively and passively that we are facing one of the biggest problems ever: climate change. This is unsustainable and we must try to revert it, or, if we are too late, slow it down as much as possible. To make this happen, there are many possible methods. In this review, we investigate catalysts for using water as an energy source, or, instead of water, alcohols. On the other hand, the recycling of gases such as CO2 and N2O is also addressed, but we also observe non-catalytic means of generating energy through solar cell production.

Metamorphic oxygen-evolving molecular Ru and Ir catalysts

Today sustainable and clean energy conversion strategies are based on sunlight and the use of water as a source of protons and electrons, in a similar manner as it happens in Photosystem II. To achieve this, the charge separation state induced by light has to be capable of oxidising water by 4 protons and 4 electrons and generating molecular oxygen. This oxidation occurs by the intermediacy of a catalyst capable of finding low-energy pathways via proton-coupled electron transfer steps. The high energy involved in the thermodynamics of water oxidation reaction, coupled with its mechanistic complexity, is responsible for the difficulty of discovering efficient and oxidatively robust molecules capable of achieving such a challenging task. A significant number of Ru coordination complexes have been identified as water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) and are among the best understood from a mechanistic perspective. In this review, we describe the catalytic performance of these complexes and focus our attention on the factors that influence their performance during catalysis, especially in cases where a detailed mechanistic investigation has been carried out. The collective information extracted from all the catalysts studied allows one to identify the key features that govern the complex chemistry associated with the catalytic water oxidation reaction. This includes the stability of trans-O-Ru-O groups, the change in coordination number from CN6 to CN7 at Ru high oxidation states, the ligand flexibility, the capacity to undergo intramolecular proton transfer, the bond strain, the axial ligand substitution, and supramolecular effects. Overall, combining all this information generates a coherent view of this complex chemistry.

Ligands modification strategies for mononuclear water splitting catalysts

Artificial photosynthesis (AP) has been proved to be a promising way of alleviating global climate change and energy crisis. Among various materials for AP, molecular complexes play an important role due to their favorable efficiency, stability, and activity. As a result of its importance, the topic has been extensively reviewed, however, most of them paid attention to the designs and preparations of complexes and their water splitting mechanisms. In fact, ligands design and preparation also play an important role in metal complexes’ properties and catalysis performance. In this review, we focus on the ligands that are suitable for designing mononuclear catalysts for water splitting, providing a coherent discussion at the strategic level because of the availability of various activity studies for the selected complexes. Two main designing strategies for ligands in molecular catalysts, substituents modification and backbone construction, are discussed in detail in terms of their potentials for water splitting catalysts.

Computational Evaluation of Potential Molecular Catalysts for Nitrous Oxide Decomposition

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) with limited use as a mild anesthetic and underdeveloped reactivity. Nitrous oxide splitting (decomposition) is critical to its mitigation as a GHG. Although heterogeneous catalysts for N₂O decomposition have been developed, highly efficient, long-lived solid catalysts are still needed, and the details of the catalytic pathways are not well understood. Reported herein is a computational evaluation of three potential molecular (homogeneous) catalysts for N₂O splitting, which could aid in the development of more active and robust catalysts and provide deeper mechanistic insights: one Cu(I)-based, [(CF₃O)₄Al]Cu (A-1), and two Ru(III)-based, Cl(POR)Ru (B-1) and (NTA)Ru (C-1) (POR = porphyrin, NTA = nitrilotriacetate). The structures and energetic viability of potential intermediates and key transition states are evaluated according to a two-stage reaction pathway: (A) deoxygenation (DO), during which a metal-N₂O complex undergoes N-O bond cleavage to produce N₂ and a metal-oxo species and (B) (di)oxygen evolution (OER), in which the metal-oxo species dimerizes to a dimetal-peroxo complex, followed by conversion to a metal-dioxygen species from which dioxygen dissociates. For the (F-L)Cu(I) activator (A-1), deoxygenation of N₂O is facilitated by an O-bound (F-L)Cu-O-N₂ or better by a bimetallic N,O-bonded, (F-L)Cu-NNO-Cu(F-L) complex; the resulting copper-oxyl (F-L)Cu-O is converted exergonically to (F-L)Cu-(η²,η²-O₂)-Cu(F-L), which leads to dioxygen species (F-L)Cu(η²-O₂), that favorably dissociates O₂. Key features of the DO/OER process for (POR)ClRu (B-1) include endergonic N₂O coordination, facile N₂ evolution from LR'u-N₂O-RuL to Cl(POR)RuO, moderate barrier coupling of Cl(POR)RuO to peroxo Cl(POR)Ru(O₂)Ru(POR)Cl, and eventual O₂ dissociation from Cl(POR)Ru(η¹-O₂), which is nearly thermoneutral. N₂O decomposition promoted by (NTA)Ru(III) (C-1) can proceed with exergonic N₂O coordination, facile N₂ dissociation from (NTA)Ru-ON₂ or (NTA)Ru-N₂O-Ru(NTA) to form (NTA)Ru-O; dimerization of the (NTA)Ru-oxo species is facile to produce (NTA)Ru-O-O-Ru(NTA), and subsequent OE from the peroxo species is moderately endergonic. Considering the overall energetics, (F-L)Cu and Cl(POR)Ru derivatives are deemed the best candidates for promoting facile N₂O decomposition.

Heterogenization of Molecular Water Oxidation Catalysts in Electrodes for (Photo)Electrochemical Water Oxidation

Water oxidation is still one of the most important challenges to develop efficient artificial photosynthetic devices. In recent decades, the development and study of molecular complexes for water oxidation have allowed insight into the principles governing catalytic activity and the mechanism as well as establish ligand design guidelines to improve performance. However, their durability and long-term stability compromise the performance of molecular-based artificial photosynthetic devices. In this context, heterogenization of molecular water oxidation catalysts on electrode surfaces has emerged as a promising approach for efficient long-lasting water oxidation for artificial photosynthetic devices. This review covers the state of the art of strategies for the heterogenization of molecular water oxidation catalysts onto electrodes for (photo)electrochemical water oxidation. An overview and description of the main binding strategies are provided explaining the advantages of each strategy and their scope. Moreover, selected examples are discussed together with the the differences in activity and stability between the homogeneous and the heterogenized system when reported. Finally, the common design principles for efficient (photo)electrocatalytic performance summarized.

Structure-Activity Relationship for Di- up to Tetranuclear Macrocyclic Ruthenium Catalysts in Homogeneous Water Oxidation

Two di- and tetranuclear Ru(bda) (bda: 2,2'-bipyridine-6,6'-dicarboxylate) macrocyclic complexes were synthesized and their catalytic activities in chemical and photochemical water oxidation investigated in a comparative manner to our previously reported trinuclear congener. Our studies have shown that the catalytic activities of this homologous series of multinuclear Ru(bda) macrocycles in homogeneous water oxidation are dependent on their size, exhibiting highest efficiencies for the largest tetranuclear catalyst. The turnover frequencies (TOFs) have increased from di- to tetranuclear macrocycles not only per catalyst molecule but more importantly also per Ru unit with TOF of 6 s-1 to 8.7 s-1 and 10.5 s-1 in chemical and 0.6 s-1 to 3.3 s-1 and 5.8 s-1 in photochemical water oxidation per Ru unit, respectively. Thus, for the first time, a clear structure-activity relationship could be established for this novel class of macrocyclic water oxidation catalysts.

Off-Set Interactions of Ruthenium-bda Type Catalysts for Promoting Water-Splitting Performance

O-O bond formation with Ru(bda)L2 -type catalysts is well-known to proceed through a bimolecular reaction pathway, limiting the potential application of these catalysts at low concentrations. Herein, we achieved high efficiencies with mononuclear catalysts, with TOFs of 460±32 s-1 at high catalyst loading and 31±3 s-1 at only 1 μM catalyst concentration, by simple structural considerations on the axial ligands. Kinetic and DFT studies show that introduction of an off-set in the interaction between the two catalytic units reduces the kinetic barrier of the second-order O-O bond formation, maintaining high catalytic activity even at low catalyst concentrations. The results herein furthermore suggest that π-π interactions may only play a minor role in the observed catalytic activity, and that asymmetry can also rationalize high activity observed for Ru(bda)(isoq)2 type catalysts and offer inspiration to overcome the limitations of 2nd order catalysis.

Towards Dual-Metal Catalyzed Hydroalkoxylation of Alkynes

Poly (vinyl ethers) are compounds with great value in the coating industry due to exhibiting properties such as high viscosity, soft adhesiveness, resistance to saponification and solubility in water and organic solvents. However, the main challenge in this field is the synthesis of vinyl ether monomers that can be synthetized by methodologies such as vinyl transfer, reduction of vinyl phosphate ether, isomerization, hydrogenation of acetylenic ethers, elimination, addition of alcohols to alkyne species etc. Nevertheless, the most successful strategy to access to vinyl ether derivatives is the addition of alcohols to alkynes catalyzed by transition metals such as molybdenum, tungsten, ruthenium, palladium, platinum, gold, silver, iridium and rhodium, where gold-NHC catalysts have shown the best results in vinyl ether synthesis. Recently, the hydrophenoxylation reaction was found to proceed through a digold-assisted process where the species that determine the rate of the reaction are PhO-[Au(IPr)] and alkyne-[Au(IPr)]. Later, the improvement of the hydrophenoxylation reaction by using a mixed combination of Cu-NHC and Au-NHC catalysts was also reported. DFT studies confirmed a cost-effective method for the hydrophenoxylation reaction and located the rate-determining step, which turned out to be quite sensitive to the sterical hindrance due to the NHC ligands.

Electrostatic Interactions Accelerating Water Oxidation Catalysis via Intercatalyst O-O Coupling

Intercatalyst coupling has been widely applied in the functional mimics for binuclear synergy in natural metal enzymes. Herein, we introduce two facile and effective design strategies, which facilitate the coupling of two catalytic units via electrostatic interactions. The first system is based on a catalyst molecule functionalized with both a positively charged and a negatively charged group in the structure being able to pair with each other in an antiparallel manner arranged by electrostatic interactions. The other system consists of a mixture of two different of catalysts modified with either positively or negatively charged groups to generate intermolecular electrostatic interactions. Applying these designs to Ru(bda) (H₂bda = 2,2'-bipyridine-6,6'-dicarboxylic acid) water-oxidation catalysts improved the catalytic performance by more than an order of magnitude. The intermolecular electrostatic interactions in these two systems were fully identified by ¹H NMR, TEM, SAXS, and electrical conductivity experiments. Molecular dynamics simulations further verified that electrostatic interactions contribute to the formation of prereactive dimers, which were found to play a key role in dramatically improving the catalytic performance. The successful strategies demonstrated here can be used in designing other intercatalyst coupling systems for activation and formation of small molecules and organic synthesis.

A Calix[4]arene-Based Cyclic Dinuclear Ruthenium Complex for Light-Driven Catalytic Water Oxidation

A cyclic dinuclear ruthenium(bda) (bda: 2,2'-bipyridine-6,6'-dicarboxylate) complex equipped with oligo(ethylene glycol)-functionalized axial calix[4]arene ligands has been synthesized for homogenous catalytic water oxidation. This novel Ru(bda) macrocycle showed significantly increased catalytic activity in chemical and photocatalytic water oxidation compared to the archetype mononuclear reference [Ru(bda)(pic)2 ]. Kinetic investigations, including kinetic isotope effect studies, disclosed a unimolecular water nucleophilic attack mechanism of this novel dinuclear water oxidation catalyst (WOC) under the involvement of the second coordination sphere. Photocatalytic water oxidation with this cyclic dinuclear Ru complex using [Ru(bpy)3 ]Cl2 as a standard photosensitizer revealed a turnover frequency of 15.5 s-1 and a turnover number of 460. This so far highest photocatalytic performance reported for a Ru(bda) complex underlines the potential of this water-soluble WOC for artificial photosynthesis.

Dispersion forces drive water oxidation in molecular ruthenium catalysts

Rational design of artificial water-splitting catalysts is central for developing new sustainable energy technology. However, the catalytic efficiency of the natural light-driven water-splitting enzyme, photosystem II, has been remarkably difficult to achieve artificially. Here we study the molecular mechanism of ruthenium-based molecular catalysts by integrating quantum chemical calculations with inorganic synthesis and functional studies. By employing correlated ab initio calculations, we show that the thermodynamic driving force for the catalysis is obtained by modulation of π-stacking dispersion interactions within the catalytically active dimer core, supporting recently suggested mechanistic principles of Ru-based water-splitting catalysts. The dioxygen bond forms in a semi-concerted radical coupling mechanism, similar to the suggested water-splitting mechanism in photosystem II. By rationally tuning the dispersion effects, we design a new catalyst with a low activation barrier for the water-splitting. The catalytic principles are probed by synthesis, structural, and electrochemical characterization of the new catalyst, supporting enhanced water-splitting activity under the examined conditions. Our combined findings show that modulation of dispersive interactions provides a rational catalyst design principle for controlling challenging chemistries.

Supramolecular strategies in artificial photosynthesis

Artificial photosynthesis is a major scientific endeavor aimed at converting solar power into a chemical fuel as a viable approach to sustainable energy production and storage. Photosynthesis requires three fundamental actions performed in order; light harvesting, charge-separation and redox catalysis. These actions span different timescales and require the integration of functional architectures developed in different fields of study. The development of artificial photosynthetic devices is therefore inherently complex and requires an interdisciplinary approach. Supramolecular chemistry has evolved to a mature scientific field in which programmed molecular components form larger functional structures by self-assembly processes. Supramolecular chemistry could provide important tools in preparing, integrating and optimizing artificial photosynthetic devices as it allows precise control over molecular components within such a device. This is illustrated in this perspective by discussing state-of-the-art devices and the current limiting factors - such as recombination and low stability of reactive intermediates - and providing exemplary supramolecular approaches to alleviate some of those problems. Inspiring supramolecular solutions such as those discussed herein will incite expansion of the supramolecular toolbox, which eventually may be needed for the development of applied artificial photosynthesis.

Impact of substituents on molecular properties and catalytic activities of trinuclear Ru macrocycles in water oxidation

Herein we report a broad series of new trinuclear supramolecular Ru(bda) macrocycles bearing different substituents at the axial or equatorial ligands which enabled investigation of substituent effects on the catalytic activities in chemical and photocatalytic water oxidation. Our detailed investigations revealed that the activities of these functionalized macrocycles in water oxidation are significantly affected by the position at which the substituents were introduced. Interestingly, this effect could not be explained based on the redox properties of the catalysts since these are not markedly influenced by the functionalization of the ligands. Instead, detailed investigations by X-ray crystal structure analysis and theoretical simulations showed that conformational changes imparted by the substituents are responsible for the variation of catalytic activities of the Ru macrocycles. For the first time, macrocyclic structure of this class of water oxidation catalysts is unequivocally confirmed and experimental indication for a hydrogen-bonded water network present in the cavity of the macrocycles is provided by crystal structure analysis. We ascribe the high catalytic efficiency of our Ru(bda) macrocycles to cooperative proton abstractions facilitated by such a network of preorganized water molecules in their cavity, which is reminiscent of catalytic activities of enzymes at active sites.

Conformational changes induced by ligand substituents in macrocyclic Ru complexes strongly affect their chemical and photocatalytic efficiencies in water oxidation.

A Ru-bda Complex with a Dangling Carboxylate Group: Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties

Ruthenium complexes containing the tetradentate 2,2'-bipyridine-6,6'-dicarboxylato (bda^2-) equatorial ligand and ortho-subsituted pyridines in the axial position have been prepared and characterized using spectroscopic, crystallographic and electrochemical techniques. Complexes [Ru(Hbda)(DMSO)(pyC)] (1) and [Ru(bda)(DMSO)(pyA)] (2) (where pyC is 2-pyridinecarboxylate, pyA is pyridine-2-ylmethanol and DMSO is dimethyl sulfoxide) have been isolated in moderate to high yields. The solid state structures of (1-H)^- and 2 reveal the strong chelate effect of the axial pyridine ligand that coordinates in a bidentate fashion leaving the bda^2- equatorial ligand coordinating in a tridentate mode. In solution, compound 2 shows a dynamic equilibrium between different coordination modes of the bda^2- and pyA ligands. This phenomenon does not occur for 1 because the carboxylate binds stronger than the labile alcohol in 2. Cyclic voltammetry analysis of 1 reveals a complex behavior with a pH-independent wave at E_1/2 = 1.12 V that is tentatively associated with the two-electron Ru^IV/II couple. In sharp contrast, complex 2 shows a pH-dependent one-electron wave at E_1/2 = 0.83 V (pH 1), assigned to the proton-coupled electron transfer process of the Ru^III/II couple and a pH-independent wave at E_1/2 = 1.06 V assigned to the Ru^IV/III couple. Compound 2 is used to prepare complex [Ru(bda)(pic)(pyA)] (4). This complex is air sensitive and converts to complex [Ru(bda)(pic)(pyE)] (5) (where pyE is methyl 2-pyridine carboxylate) in the presence of methanol. This oxidation also occurs by applying a positive potential to an aqueous solution of 4, producing the derivative [Ru(bda)(pic)(pyC)] (3). Cyclic voltammetry of 3 shows two pH-independent one-electron oxidation waves at E_1/2 = 0.64 V and E_1/2 = 1.0 V, corresponding to the Ru^III/II and Ru^IV/III couples, respectively. In addition, a water oxidation catalytic wave appears at E_onset ≈ 1.4 V. Foot-of-the-wave analysis of this catalytic wave based on a water nucleophilic attack accounts for a TOF_max = 0.63-0.74 s^-1.

Second Coordination Sphere Effects in an Evolved Ru Complex Based on Highly Adaptable Ligand Results in Rapid Water Oxidation Catalysis

A new Ru complex containing the deprotonated 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-6,6''-diphosphonic acid (H₄tPa) and pyridine (py) of general formula [Ru^II(H₃tPa-κ-N³O)(py)₂]⁺, 2⁺, has been prepared and thoroughly characterized by means of spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques, X-ray diffraction analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Complex 2⁺ presents a dynamic behavior in the solution that involves the synchronous coordination and the decoordination of the dangling phosphonic groups of the tPa^4- ligand. However, at oxidation state IV, complex 2⁺ becomes seven coordinated with the two phosphonic groups now bonded to the metal center. Further, at this oxidation state at neutral and basic pH, the Ru complex undergoes the coordination of an exogenous OH^- group from the solvent that leads to an intramolecular aromatic O atom insertion into the CH bond of one of the pyridyl groups, forming the corresponding phenoxo-phosphonate Ru complex [Ru^III(tPaO-κ-N²O_PO_C)(py)₂]^2-, 4^2-, where tPaO^5- is the 3-(hydroxo-[2,2':6',2''-terpyridine]-6,6''-diyl)bis(phosphonate) ligand. This new in situ generated Ru complex, 4^2-, has been isolated and spectroscopically and electrochemically characterized. In addition, a crystal structure has been also obtained using single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Complex 4^2- turns out to be an exceptional water oxidation catalyst achieving record maximum turnover frequencies (TOF_max) on the order of 16 000 s^-1. A mechanistic analysis complemented with DFT calculations has also been carried out, showing the critical role of intramolecular second coordination sphere effects exerted by the phosphonate groups in lowering the activation energy at the rate-determining step.

Understanding the performance of a bisphosphonate Ru water oxidation catalyst

Water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) are a key part of generating H₂ from water and sunlight, consequently, it is a promising process for the production of clean energy.

Dinuclear metal complexes: multifunctional properties and applications

Dinuclear metal complexes have enabled breakthroughs in OLEDs, photocatalytic water splitting and CO₂reduction, DSPEC, chemosensors, biosensors, PDT and smart materials.

New findings and current controversies in the reaction of ruthenium red and ammonium cerium(iv) nitrate: focus on the precipitated compound

During water-oxidation reaction in the presence of RuR and CAN, a heterogeneous nano-sized Ru-Ce compound is detected, which is formed by the interaction of [(NH₃)₅RuORu(NH₃)₄ORu(NH₃)₅],^6+/7+ nitrate ions, and the products of the reduction of CAN.

Early photophysical events of a ruthenium(ii) molecular dyad capable of performing photochemical water oxidation and of its model compounds

The early photophysical events occurring in the dinuclear metal complex [(ttb-terpy)(I)Ru(μ-dntpz)Ru(bpy)2]3+ (2; ttb-terpy = 4,4',4''-tri-tert-butyl-terpy; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; dntpz = 2,5-di-(1,8-dinaphthyrid-2-yl)pyrazine) - a species containing the chromophoric {(bpy)2Ru(μ-dntpz)}2+ subunit and the catalytic {(I)(ttb-terpy)Ru(μ-dntpz)}+ unit, already reported to be able to perform photocatalytic water oxidation - have been studied by ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy in acetonitrile solution. The model species [Ru(bpy)2(dntpz)]2+ (1), [(bpy)2Ru(μ-dntpz)Ru(bpy)2]4+ (3), and [(ttb-terpy)(I)Ru((μ-dntpz)Ru[(ttb-terpy)(I)]2+ (4) have also been studied. For completeness, the absorption spectra, redox behavior of 1-4 and the spectroelectrochemistry of the dinuclear species 2-4 have been investigated. The usual 3MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) decay, characterized by relatively long lifetimes on the ns timescale, takes place in 1 and 3, whose lowest-energy level involves a {(bpy)2Ru(dntpz)}2+ unit, whereas for 2 and 4, whose lowest-energy excited state involves a 3MLCT centered on the {(I)(ttb-terpy)Ru(μ-dntpz)}+ subunit, the excited-state lifetimes are on the ps timescale, possibly involving population of a low-lying 3MC (metal-centered) level. Compound 2 also exhibits a fast process, with a time constant of 170 fs, which is attributed to intercomponent energy transfer from the MLCT state centered in the {(bpy)2Ru(μ-dntpz)}2+ unit to the MLCT state involving the {(I)(ttb-terpy)Ru(μ-dntpz)}+ unit. Both the intercomponent energy transfer and the MLCT-to-MC activation process take place from non-equilibrated MLCT states.

Artificial photosynthesis: opportunities and challenges of molecular catalysts

Molecular catalysis plays an essential role in both natural and artificial photosynthesis (AP). However, the field of molecular catalysis for AP has gradually declined in recent years because of doubt about the long-term stability of molecular-catalyst-based devices. This review summarizes the development history of molecular-catalyst-based AP, including the fundamentals of AP, molecular catalysts for water oxidation, proton reduction and CO2 reduction, and molecular-catalyst-based AP devices, and it provides an analysis of the advantages, challenges, and stability of molecular catalysts. With this review, we aim to highlight the following points: (i) an investigation on molecular catalysis is one of the most promising ways to obtain atom-efficient catalysts with outstanding intrinsic activities; (ii) effective heterogenization of molecular catalysts is currently the primary challenge for the application of molecular catalysis in AP devices; (iii) development of molecular catalysts is a promising way to solve the problems of catalysis involved in practical solar fuel production. In molecular-catalysis-based AP, much has been attained, but more challenges remain with regard to long-term stability and heterogenization techniques.

Ru-bda: Unique Molecular Water-Oxidation Catalysts with Distortion Induced Open Site and Negatively Charged Ligands

A water-oxidation catalyst with high intrinsic activity is the foundation for developing any type of water-splitting device. To celebrate its 10 years anniversary, in this Perspective we focus on the state-of-the-art molecular water-oxidation catalysts (MWOCs), the Ru-bda series (bda = 2,2'-bipyridine-6,6'-dicarboxylate), to offer strategies for the design and synthesis of more advanced MWOCs. The O-O bond formation mechanisms, derivatives, applications, and reasons behind the outstanding catalytic activities of Ru-bda catalysts are summarized and discussed. The excellent performance of the Ru-bda catalyst is owing to its unique structural features: the distortion induced 7-coordination and the carboxylate ligands with coordination flexibility, proton-transfer function as well as small steric hindrance. Inspired by the Ru-bda catalysts, we emphasize that the introduction of negatively charged groups, such as the carboxylate group, into ligands is an effective strategy to lower the onset potential of MWOCs. Moreover, distortion of the regular configuration of a transition metal complex by ligand design to generate a wide open site as the catalytic site for binding the substrate as an extra-coordination is proposed as a new concept for the design of efficient molecular catalysts. These inspirations can be expected to play a great role in not only water-oxidation catalysis but also other small molecule activation and conversion reactions involving artificial photosynthesis, such as CO₂ reduction and N₂ fixation reactions.

An Overview of Significant Achievements in Ruthenium-Based Molecular Water Oxidation Catalysis

Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) are becoming increasingly disfavored as long-term energy options due to concerns of scarcity and environmental consequences (e.g., release of anthropogenic CO₂). Hydrogen gas, on the other hand, has gained popularity as a clean-burning fuel because the only byproduct from its reaction with O₂ is H₂O. In recent decades, hydrogen derived from water splitting has been a topic of extensive research. The bottleneck of the water splitting reaction is the difficult water oxidation step (2H₂O → O₂ + 4H⁺ + 4e⁻), which requires an effective and robust catalyst to overcome its high kinetic barrier. Research in water oxidation by molecular ruthenium catalysts enjoys a rich history spanning nearly 40 years. As the diversity of novel ligands continues to widen, the relationship between ligand geometry or electronics, and catalyst activity is undoubtedly becoming clearer. The present review highlights, in the authors’ opinion, some of the most impactful discoveries in the field and explores the evolution of ligand design that has led to the current state of the art.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cationic Tetramethyl Tantalum(V) Complex

A novel method for the synthesis of the homogeneous homoleptic cationic tantalum(V)tetramethyl complex [(TaMe4)+ MeB(C6F5)3−] from neutral tantalumpentamethyl (TaMe5) has been described, by direct demethylation using B(C6F5)3 reagent. The aforesaid higher valent cationic tantalum complex was characterized precisely by liquid state 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and 1H-13C-NMR correlation spectroscopy.

Covalent and Ionic Capacity of MOFs To Sorb Small Gas Molecules

In this work, the aim is to characterize how an Fe-based metal-organic framework (MOF) behaves when gases, like carbon dioxide, are inserted through their channels and to characterize the nature and strength of those interactions. Despite the computational nature of the project, it is based on the experimental results obtained in 2016 by Mı́nguez-Espallargas and co-workers ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 15986 - 15989 ). Those MOFs were found to selectively allocate/adsorb CO₂, having as a drawback that apparently each cavity allocates only one CO₂ molecule. Despite truncating the MOF to its unitary cell, the whole cavity of the MOF can be described in detail by precise ab initio calculations. Another computational goal is to unravel why experimentally CO₂ was preferred with respect to N₂, and for the sake of consistency, a list of common gases will be further studied, such as H₂, O₂, H₂O, CH₄, C₂H₆, N₂O, or NO.

Ruthenium water oxidation catalysts containing the non-planar tetradentate ligand, biisoquinoline dicarboxylic acid (biqaH2)

Two ruthenium complexes containing the tetradentate ligand [1,1'-biisoquinoline]-3,3'-dicarboxylic acid, and 4-picoline or 6-bromoisoquinoline as axial ligands have been prepared. The complexes have been fully characterised and initial studies on their potential to function as molecular water oxidation catalysts have been performed. Both complexes catalyse the oxidation of water in acidic media with Ce^IV as a stoichiometric chemical oxidant, although turnover numbers and turnover frequencies are modest when compared with the closely related Ru-bda and Ru-pda analogues. Barriers for the water nucleophilic attack and intermolecular coupling pathways were obtained from density functional theory calculations and the crucial influence of the ligand framework in determining the most favourable reaction pathway was elucidated from a combined analysis of the theoretical and experimental results.

Ruthenium Water Oxidation Catalysts based on Pentapyridyl Ligands

Ruthenium complexes containing the pentapyridyl ligand 6,6''-(methoxy(pyridin-2-yl)methylene)di-2,2'-bipyridine (L-OMe) of general formula trans-[Ru^II (X)(L-OMe-κ-N⁵ )]ⁿ⁺ (X=Cl, n=1, trans-1⁺ ; X=H₂ O, n=2, trans-2²⁺ ) have been isolated and characterized in solution (by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy) and in the solid state by XRD. Both complexes undergo a series of substitution reactions at oxidation state Ru^II and Ru^III when dissolved in aqueous triflic acid-trifluoroethanol solutions as monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy, and the corresponding rate constants were determined. In particular, aqueous solutions of the Ru^III -Cl complex trans-[Ru^III (Cl)(L-OMe-κ-N⁵ )]²⁺ (trans-1²⁺ ) generates a family of Ru aquo complexes, namely trans-[Ru^III (H₂ O)(L-OMe-κ-N⁵ )]³⁺ (trans-2³⁺ ), [Ru^III (H₂ O)₂ (L-OMe-κ-N⁴ )]³⁺ (trans-3³⁺ ), and [Ru^III (Cl)(H₂ O)(L-OMe-κ-N⁴ )]²⁺ (trans-4²⁺ ). Although complex trans-4²⁺ is a powerful water oxidation catalyst, complex trans-2³⁺ has only a moderate activity and trans-3³⁺ shows no activity. A parallel study with related complexes containing the methyl-substituted ligand 6,6''-(1-pyridin-2-yl)ethane-1,1-diyl)di-2,2'-bipyridine (L-Me) was carried out. The behavior of all of these catalysts has been rationalized based on substitution kinetics, oxygen evolution kinetics, electrochemical properties, and density functional theory calculations. The best catalyst, trans-4²⁺ , reaches turnover frequencies of 0.71 s^-1 using Ce^IV as a sacrificial oxidant, with oxidative efficiencies above 95 %.

Synthesis, Structure, and Redox Properties of a trans-Diaqua Ru Complex That Reaches Seven-Coordination at High Oxidation States

In this work we have prepared and characterized two Ru complexes that contain the pentadenatate tda^2- ligand (tda^2- = [2,2':6',2″-terpyridine]-6,6″-dicarboxylate) that occupies the equatorial positions and two monodentate ligands aqua and/or dmso that occupy the axial positons: [trans-Ru^III(tda-κ-N³O)(OH₂^ax)₂]⁺, 3^III(OH₂)₂⁺, and [Ru^II(tda-κ-N³O)(dmso)(OH₂^ax)], 4^II. The latter is a useful synthetic intermediate for the preparation of Ru-tda complexes with different axial ligands. The two complexes have been characterized in the solid state by single-crystal XRD and by elemental analysis. In solution, complex 4^II has been characterized by NMR spectroscopy as well as the one-electron reduction of complex 3^III(OH₂)₂⁺. The electrochemical properties of 3^III(OH₂)₂⁺ and 4^II have been assessed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Complex 3^III(OH₂)₂⁺ shows the presence of four redox waves that are assigned to the VI/V, V/IV, IV/III, and III/II redox couples. The variation of the redox potentials is analyzed as a function of pH and is graphically presented as a Pourbaix diagram. Finally, the redox potentials displayed by both 3^III(OH₂)₂⁺ and 4^II are compared to related complexes previously reported in the literature and rationalized on the basis of the electron donating or withdrawing capacity of the auxiliary ligands as well as with regard to their ability to undergo seven-coordination at high oxidation states.

O–O bond formation in ruthenium-catalyzed water oxidation: single-site nucleophilic attack vs. O–O radical coupling

A review of water oxidation by ruthenium-based molecular catalysts, with emphasis on the mechanism of O–O bond formation.