Approaches to efficient molecular catalyst systems for photochemical H2 production using [FeFe]-hydrogenase active site mimics

Abstract

The research on structural and functional biomimics of the active site of [FeFe]-hydrogenases is in an attempt to elucidate the mechanisms of H₂-evolution and uptake at the [FeFe]-hydrogenase active site, and to learn from Nature how to create highly efficient H₂-production catalyst systems. Undoubtedly, it is a challenging, arduous, and long-term work. In this perspective, the progresses in approaches to photochemical H₂ production using mimics of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase active site as catalysts in the last three years are reviewed, with emphasis on adjustment of the redox potentials and hydrophilicity of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase active site mimics to make them efficient catalysts for H₂ production. With gradually increasing understanding of the chemistry of the [FeFe]-hydrogenases and their mimics, more bio-inspired proton reduction catalysts with significantly improved efficiency of H₂ production will be realized in the future.