N2O2S-donor redox-active ligand coordinated dinuclear manganese(ii) and cobalt(ii) complexes: crystal structures, magnetic properties and electrochemical hydrogen evolution

Abstract

In this study, we found the significant catalytic activity of two dinuclear complexes of manganese(II) and cobalt(II), supported by a biologically relevant pentacoordinated N₂O₂S-donor Schiff base ligand towards the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The cobalt complex exhibits superior HER activity, displaying a Tafel slope of 77 mV per decade, compared to the manganese complex under the same conditions, which has a Tafel slope of 154 mV. The study also explores the structural, magnetic, and redox characteristics of the complexes to provide insight into these intricate systems.