Easily oxidized metals are of interest as a means to store solar energy in the chemical form of solar fuels. While their solid-state and efficient batteries make them attractive solar fuel candidates, the photo-reduction of the corresponding metal ions remains difficult. Accordingly, this presentation describes the photon driven reduction of Zn2+ by an Iridium(III) photosensitizer and catalyst. [Ir(ppy)2(dtbppy)](PF6) was found to be the most robust photocatalyst, and the use of ZnCl2 as the Zn2+ source and acetonitrile as the solvent afforded the highest yield of Zn metal product. Under these conditions, a maximum of 430 catalyst turnover numbers were achieved. Cyclic voltammetry utilizing different solvents and zinc salts demonstrated the roles of acetonitrile and Cl- in the photoreduction mechanism. Kinetics measurements revealed a first order dependence of the initial rate on both [Ir(ppy)2(dtbppy)](PF6) and ZnCl2. A first order decay of reaction rate was also observed.

Photon-driven reduction of Zn<sup>2+</sup> to Zn metal

245th National Meeting (2013)

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Photon-driven reduction of Zn2+ to Zn metal

Photon-driven reduction of Zn²⁺ to Zn metal