Yun-Xiao Zhang

Synthesis and catalytic properties of an iron(III) complex supported by amine-bis(phenolate) ligand

The reaction of FeCl3 with 2-tetrahydrofuranylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4-ethyl-6-tert-butylphenol), H2[O3N]BuEtTHF (H2L) affords a new iron(III) complex, [LFeCl] 1, whose structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical studies show that 1 can electrocatalyze hydrogen evolution both from acetic acid with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 39.98 mol of hydrogen per mole of catalyst per hour at an overpotential of 941.6 mV (in DMF) and water with a TOF of 284.29 mol of hydrogen per mole of catalyst per hour at an overpotential of 896.8 mV (in buffer, pH 7.0). Sustained water reduction catalysis occurs at glassy carbon to give H2 over a 2 h electrolysis period with 95.81% faradaic yield and no observable decomposition of the catalyst.

Function of triazenido compound for electrocatalytic hydrogen production catalyzed by platinum complex

Abstract A new type of electrocatalyst based on a triazenido-platinum complex, Pt(PPh3)2(L)Cl (1), is prepared by the reaction of 1-[(2-methoxy) benzene]-3-[2-pyridine] triazene (HL) and Pt(PPh3)2Cl2 in the presence of triethylamine. Electrochemical studies indicate that HL, Pt(PPh3)2Cl2 and 1 can catalyze hydrogen evolution from acetic acid or a neutral buffer. To show triazenido ligand, HL, plays a role in determining the catalytic activities of the platinum complex, we systematically study the electrocatalytic activities of HL, Pt(PPh3)2Cl2 and Pt(PPh3)2(L)Cl and provide a possible catalytic mechanism for hydrogen generation catalyzed by 1.