Copper(II) defect-cubane water oxidation electrocatalysts: from molecular tetramers to oxidic nanostructures.

ABSTRACT: We report on the synthesis and spectroscopic evidence for a sequence of structural transformations of a new defect-cubane type copper complex, [Cu₄(pyalk)₄(OAc)₄](ClO₄)(HNEt₃), which acts as a pre-catalyst for water oxidation. In situ and post-catalytic studies showed that the tetrameric complex undergoes a structural transformation into dimeric and monomeric species, induced by water molecules and carbonate anions, respectively. Further, the observed electrocatalytic water oxidation activity has been confirmed to arise from in situ-generated Cu(II) oxidic nanostructures at the electrode interface.

SUBMITTER: Adiyeri Saseendran DP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10174076 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature