H2 evolution catalyzed by a FeFe-hydrogenase synthetic model covalently attached to graphite surfaces

A synthetic mimic of Fe-Fe hydrogenase (H(2)ase) is reported which bears a terminal alkyne group in the ligand. Using a terminal azide bearing organic linkers, this complex could be covalently attached to various electrode surfaces (e.g. edge plane graphite, reduced graphene oxide, etc.). The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution (HER) efficiency of these constructs is investigated and the results show that the EPG-H(2)ase mimic construct is able to produce H-2 from acidic water efficiently with over 90% selectivity.