Selective Reduction of Aqueous Protons to Hydrogen with a Synthetic Cobaloxime Catalyst in the Presence of Atmospheric Oxygen

Abstract

Protons preferred: A cobalt catalyst is reported that evolves H2 electro- and photocatalytically at room temperature, in pH-neutral water, and in the presence of atmospheric O2 (see scheme). The catalyst shows respectable Faradaic efficiencies under N2 and 21 % O2 in N2, and can be used under both homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions.