Visible-light-induced oxidation of water and of chloride ions in photoelectrochemical cells

Abstract

The photoredox reaction between the complex RuL₃²⁺(l = di-isopropyl 2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxylate) and S₂O₈^2– has been used in a photoelectrochemical cell to demonstrate the visible-light-induced (λ 450 nm) oxidation of water to give O₂ and of chloride ions to give Cl₂ in acidic solutions; the high redox-potential of the RuL₃^3+/2+ complex and the utilisation of a RuO₂-coated Ti anode enable these rather difficult oxidations of occur.