Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

Developing Photosensitizer-Cobaloxime Hybrids for Solar-Driven H2 Production in Aqueous Aerobic Conditions
Published on: October 5, 2019
Photocatalytic water oxidation: tuning light-induced electron transfer by molecular Co4O4 cores
Serena Berardi1, Giuseppina La Ganga, Mirco Natali
1ITM-CNR and Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy.
Abstract:
Isostructural cubane-shaped catalysts [Co(III)(4)(μ-O)(4)(μ-CH(3)COO)(4)(p-NC(5)H(4)X)(4)], 1-X (X = H, Me, t-Bu, OMe, Br, COOMe, CN), enable water oxidation under dark and illuminated conditions, where the primary step of photoinduced electron transfer obeys to Hammett linear free energy relationship behavior. Ligand design and catalyst optimization are instrumental for sustained O(2) productivity with quantum efficiency up to 80% at λ > 400 nm, thus opening a new perspective for in vitro molecular photosynthesis.
Related Concept Videos
Thermal and Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Overview
Oxygenic Photosynthesis
Oxidative Cleavage of Alkenes: Ozonolysis
Ozone is a symmetrical bent molecule stabilized by a resonance structure.
Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Osmium Tetraoxide
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Photochemical Activation
Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation

