A well-defined manganese complex with a macrocyclic ligand was synthesized and characterized. Electrocatalytic water oxidation and O2 production were carried out by cyclic voltammetry and bulk electrolysis, respectively. A two-proton/one-electron process at high pH indicates that water oxidation involves proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET). The Faradaic efficiency for O2 production was measured at a constant potential and was confirmed by oxygen sensor and gas analysis. Interestingly, the manganese complex with a modified macrocyclic ligand does not show the ability for water oxidation but instead exhibits catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Factors responsible for the switch from water oxidation and H2O2 decomposition are proposed.

Electrocatalytic water oxidation with a manganese macrocyclic complex

245th National Meeting (2013)

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