For light to chemical energy conversion in a designed photosynthetic system, the splitting of water into its constituent elements is the key energy-storing reaction.  As with natural photosynthesis, such a system relies on light absorption, charge separation, and catalysis.  Recent efforts will be described that focus on different components and system compatibility for the reductive side of the water splitting reaction and the visible light-driven generation of hydrogen from aqueous protons. The light absorbers in recent systems include strongly absorbing organic dyes and water-solubilized semiconductor nanoparticles. As catalysts, different sets of metal complexes have been investigated, including previously unstudied systems that exhibit high activity.  Both the light absorbers and the hydrogen-forming catalysts are composed of earth abundant elements only. Studies are described to provide clues to initial charge transfer steps, mechanisms of H2 generation and sources of system instability.  Sytems of great durability and high activity will be described.

Fuel from water:  The light-driven generation of hydrogen

247th National Meeting (2014)

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