Proton reduction by molecular catalysts in water under demanding atmospheres

The electrocatalytic proton reduction activity of a Ni bis(diphosphine) (NiP) and a cobaloxime (CoP) catalyst has been studied in water in the presence of the gaseous inhibitors O-2 and CO. CoP shows an appreciable tolerance towards O-2, but its activity suffers severely in the presence of CO. In contrast, NiP is strongly inhibited by O-2, but produces H-2 under high CO concentrations.