This presentation is focused on the preparation and characterization of iron-based catalysts designed to model the structure and function of the active site of the efficient hydrogen producing [Fe-Fe] hydrogenase enzyme. We have prepared and characterized a series of diiron-carbonyl clusters coupled to polyaromatic thiolate ligands. The redox potentials of the clusters have been modulated by using different aryl groups and substitution of the carbonyls for phosphine ligands. These compounds have been structurally (X-ray crystallography) and spectroscopically (IR, UV-visible and NMR) characterized, and examined as catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of proton to hydrogen. Our catalysts generate hydrogen from acidic water at milder reduction potentials than similar complexes reported in the literature.

[Fe-Fe] Hydrogenase models: Synthesis and characterization

247th National Meeting (2014)

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