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A Binuclear Cobalt Complex in the Electrochemical Water Oxidation Reaction
Author(s) -
Nestke Sebastian,
Stubbe Jessica,
Koehler Robert,
Ronge Emanuel,
Albold Uta,
Vioel Wolfgang,
Jooss Christian,
Sarkar Biprajit,
Siewert Inke
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
zeitschrift für anorganische und allgemeine chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.354
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1521-3749
pISSN - 0044-2313
DOI - 10.1002/zaac.202200119
Subject(s) - cobalt , electrochemistry , catalysis , chemistry , inorganic chemistry , hydroxide , cobalt hydroxide , cobalt oxide , octahedron , amine gas treating , oxide , electrode , crystal structure , organic chemistry
The water splitting reaction represents an appealing approach to store solar energy. The 4e − /4H + oxidation of water generating O 2 is considered as the bottleneck in this reaction and usually requires a rather large over potential. We report on the synthesis and application of a binuclear cobalt(III) complex, 1 , with two μ‐OH ligands and tripodal triazole ligands, L, in the electrochemical water oxidation reaction (WOR; L=tris((1‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl)amine). The cobalt(III) centres in the complex exhibit an octahedral coordination geometry and the complex is stable in water. Electrochemical studies revealed that solutions of 1 NO3 catalyse the WOR in phosphate or borate buffer. However, further analysis showed, that 1 NO3 is a precursor and decomposes under the applied potential. A smooth deposit is formed on the electrode surface, which is a highly active water oxidation catalysis. The deposit consists of mainly cobalt oxide/hydroxide, which accounts for the catalytic activity, and small amounts of 1 NO3 .