Bio‐inspired Photocatalytic Ruthenium Complexes: Synthesis, Optical Properties, and Solvatochromic Effect. Issue 2 (29th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weissman, Adam; Amir, Dan; Elias, Yuval; Pinkas, Iddo; Mathias, Jenny‐Lee; Benisvy, Laurent; Salomon, Adi
• Is Part Of: Chemphyschem. Volume 19:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 220
• Page End: 226
• Publication Date: 2017-12-29
• Subjects: Marcus theory -- metal-organic frameworks -- photocatalysis -- solvatochromism -- water splitting; Chemistry, Physical and theoretical -- Periodicals; 541.05
• DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201701061
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1439-4235

Abstract

Abstract: We report the synthesis, characterization, and photo‐physical properties of two new ruthenium II ‐phenol‐imidazole complexes. These bio‐mimetic complexes have potential as photocatalysts for water splitting. Owing to their multiple phenol‐imidazole groups, they have a higher probability of light‐induced radical formation than existing complexes. The newly synthesized complexes show improved overlap with the solar spectrum compared to other ruthenium II ‐phenol‐imidazole complexes, and their measured lifetimes are suitable for light‐induced radical formation. In addition, we conducted solvatochromic absorption measurements, which elegantly follow Marcus theory, and demonstrate the symmetry differences between the two complexes. The solvatochromic measurements further imply electron localization onto one of the ligands. The new complexes may find applications in photocatalysis, dye‐sensitized solar cells, biomedicine, and sensing. Moreover, their multiple chelating units make them promising candidates for light‐activated metal organic radical frameworks, i.e. metal‐organic frameworks that contain organic radicals activated by light. Abstract : Solvatochromic behavior : Two new bio‐mimetic ruthenium complexes are reported, with potential for water splitting and as building blocks for metal organic radical frameworks (MORFs, i.e. MOFs containing organic radicals). Solvatochromic measurements following Marcus theory demonstrate the symmetry differences between the two complexes and their light induced charge separation.