Reversible Electrocatalytic Production and Oxidation of Hydrogen at Low Overpotentials by a Functional Hydrogenase Mimic

Abstract

An efficient ligand combination: A new bis(diphosphine) nickel(II) complex (see picture) is described. A ΔG° value of 0.84 kcal mol−1 for hydrogen addition for this complex was calculated from the experimentally determined equilibrium constant. This complex displayed reversible electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen production and oxidation at low overpotentials, which are characteristic for hydrogenase enzymes.