Immobilisation of water-oxidising amphiphilic ruthenium complexes on unmodified silica gel

Abstract

Amphiphilic ruthenium complexes that catalyse the oxidation of water by light or cerium(IV) are non-covalently immobilised on untreated, commercial silica gel. The heterogeneous catalysts are prepared easily in one step and require no additives. High affinity of the amphiphilic complexes to silica gel leads to their rapid absorption from chloroform solution on silica gel. The complexes maintain immobilised in aqueous solution and their oxygen generation activity is comparable to water-soluble analogues. Within the tested range, the catalytic activity of the immobilised complexes does not depend on the surface loading. The simple technique facilitates the recovery and recycling of precious metals used in catalytic water oxidation.