Efficient Photochemical Dihydrogen Generation Initiated by a Bimetallic Self-Quenching Mechanism

Artificial photosynthesis relies on coupling light absorption with chemical fuel generation. A mechanistic study of visible light-driven H₂ production from [Cp*Ir(bpy)H]⁺ (1) has revealed a new, highly efficient pathway for integrating light absorption with bond formation. The net reaction of 1 with a proton source produces H₂, but the rate of excited state quenching is surprisingly acid-independent and displays no observable deuterium kinetic isotopic effect. Time-resolved photoluminescence and labeling studies are consistent with diffusion-limited bimetallic self-quenching by electron transfer. Accordingly, the quantum yield of H₂ release nearly reaches unity as the concentration of 1 increases. This unique pathway for photochemical H₂ generation provides insight into transformations catalyzed by 1.