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Addressing the Reproducibility of Photocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Author(s) -
Marx Maximilian,
Mele Andrea,
Spannenberg Anke,
Steinlechner Christoph,
Junge Henrik,
Schollhammer Philippe,
Beller Matthias
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
chemcatchem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.497
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1867-3899
pISSN - 1867-3880
DOI - 10.1002/cctc.201901686
Subject(s) - reproducibility , photocatalysis , catalysis , chemistry , nanotechnology , photochemistry , materials science , organic chemistry , chromatography
Reproducibility of photocatalytic reactions, especially when conducted on small scale for improved turnover numbers with in situ formed catalysts can prove challenging. Herein, we showcase the problematic reproducibility on the example of attractive photocatalytic CO 2 reduction utilizing [FeFe] hydrogenase mimics. These Fe complexes, well‐known for their application in proton reduction reactions, were combined with a heteroleptic Cu photosensitizer and produced CO/H 2 /HCO 2 H mixtures of variable constitution. However, the reactions indicated a poor reproducibility, even when conducted with well‐defined complexes. Based on our experience, we make suggestions for scientists working in the field of photocatalysis on how to address and report the reproducibility of novel photocatalytic reaction protocols. In addition, we would like to highlight the importance of studying reproducibility of novel reaction protocols, especially in the fields of photocatalytic water splitting and CO 2 reduction, where TONs are widely used as the comparable measure for catalytic activity.