Utilization of Non-Innocent Redox Ligands in [FeFe] Hydrogenase Modeling for Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Biomimetic diiron complexes bearing redox non-innocent ligands are discussed in this review. The complexes are synthesized to model the active site of [FeFe] hydrogenase in order to elucidate the catalytic mechanism of H2 evolution and design superior artificial catalysts. Employment of the redox active ligands serves an important factor to modulate electronic structure of the Fe2 core as the similar functionality exerted by the [4Fe4S] cofactor within the H-cluster. Different types of redox active ligands are summarized. The influence of their ligation is observable in spectroscopy as well as cyclic voltammetry, and studied by theoretical calculation.