Ultrafast reaction mechanisms in multimolecular Ir–Co catalytic assemblies for hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Nanosecond optical and X-ray spectroscopy with theoretical calculations reveal the formation of a photo-induced distorted tetrahedral Co^I intermediate in two Ir/Co multimolecular assemblies and indicate its protonation as the rate limiting step for H₂ photocatalysis. Substitution of the catalysts' pyridine group on the para position by –COOEt improves the protonation efficiency.