Bioinspired molecular clusters for water oxidation

Water oxidation (2 H2O -> 4H(+) + 4 e(-) + O-2) is a key step in utilization of solar energy for producing hydrogen of artificial photosynthetic system. Inspired by the oxygen evolution complex (OEC) in PSII, molecular catalysts are extensively studied and the progress both in biomimetic studies and the mechanistic understanding is truly remarkable. While research efforts in the earlier years focused on the Ru-, Mn- and Ir-based complexes, the focus has gradually changed to non-precious catalysts based on earthabundant metals (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu). These studies have deepened our understanding on the mechanism of water oxidation, including both proton-coupled electron transfer and O-O bond formation. Herein, we briefly review the research progress surrounding the construction of the OEC-like catalytic systems as well as bioinspired multi-nuclear catalysts for water oxidation. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Water oxidation is a crucial step in producing hydrogen using solar energy in artificial photosynthetic systems. Inspired by the oxygen evolution complex (OEC) in PSII, research has shifted towards non-precious metal catalysts, deepening our understanding of the mechanism of water oxidation.