Coordination chemistry of silver(I), gold(I) and nickel(II) with bis <i>N</i>-heterocyclic carbenes: applications in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

The design and systematic investigation of an electrocatalyst is crucial in ensuring proper benchmarking of the catalyst developed. This perspective has led to molecular catalysts developed from N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) metal complexes for electrocatalytic applications. Among the array of electrocatalytic applications available, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is at the forefront due to the ever-increasing demand for cleaner and sustainable energy. This work is focussed on the development of binuclear metal-NHC complexes from bis-{4-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-1,2,4-triazole} with a propyl spacer and hexafluorophosphate counterion. The NHC precursor and binuclear silver complexes prepared have been elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. An assessment of the binuclear complex bearing the same ligand with nickel(II) resulted in the formation of a counter held nickel derivative. The electrocatalytic performance of these metal organic derivatives in HER is evaluated along with their electrochemical impedance spectral discussion.