Hydrogen evolution by cobalt tetraimine catalysts adsorbed on electrode surfaces

Aryl-substituted tetraimine complexes related to Co(dmgBF(2))(2)(MeCN)(2) (dmg = dimethylglyoxime) were synthesized and are active for hydrogen evolution. Co(dmgBF2) 2(MeCN) 2 can be adsorbed to a glassy carbon electrode. The chemically modified electrode is active for hydrogen evolution in aqueous solution at pH < 4.5, with an overpotential of only 100 mV.