Bio-Inspired H2 Production Catalysts

Abstract

Hydrogen is considered as one of the best possible energy vector that can effectively store the otherwise intermittent solar energy for proficient renewable energy usage. Conversion of protons to hydrogen is the heart of this scheme and this reaction requires the presence of a catalyst. Currently, the expensive Platinum (Pt)-based materials are available as one of the best catalysts but its low abundance is a barrier for its worldwide usage. Naturally occurring [FeFe]-and [NiFe]-hydrogenases can also efficiently perform the H 2 production reaction albeit only in a narrow chemical space (25-40 °C, pH 4-8, mostly in absence of O2). In the past decade, hydrogenase enzyme structures acts as the template for the development of numerous structural and functional model complexes. Macro cyclic cobalt complexes and nickel bis-(diphosphine) complexes containing pendant basic groups have emerged as most efficient catalysts, which are active even in heterogeneous conditions (immobilized on electro active surfaces).

Progress in Cobalt Complexes for Enabling Asymmetric Hydrogenation, H2 Production Catalysis and Alkene/Alkyne Hydro‐functionalization: A Review

“…In this case, the metal catalytic center is enveloped by an “entatic state” resulting from interactions among the surrounding functional groups, leading to a significant alteration in the energy landscape [191] . When comparing cobalt‐peptide complexes involved in hydrogen (H 2 ) generation, it becomes evident that while catalytic rates have shown improvement, there is still significant potential for further enhancement before these bio‐inspired electrocatalysts can match the energy efficiency of native enzymes [192,193] …”