A Thiosemicarbazone–Nickel(II) Complex as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

Abstract We report herein the synthesis and characterization of a new mononuclear nickel complex based on a thiosemicarbazone ligand that exhibits an electrocatalytic behavior for H 2 evolution in DMF using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as the proton source. Catalysis is observed at quite small overpotential values and a maximum turnover frequency (TOF max ) of 3080 s −1 was extrapolated for 1 m proton concentration using the foot‐of‐the wave analysis of cyclic voltammetry data. Gas analysis during controlled potential electrolysis experiments confirmed the catalytic nature of the process and production of dihydrogen with 80 % faradaic yield. Quantum chemical calculations indicate that the catalytic mechanism involves first ligand‐based reduction and protonation steps followed by metal‐centered processes.