RuO₂ Nanostructure as an Efficient and Versatile Catalyst for H₂ Photosynthesis

Photocatalytic H₂ generation holds promise in the green production of alternative fuels and valuable chemicals. Seeking alternative, cost-effective, stable, and possibly reusable catalysts represents a timeless challenge for scientists working in the field. Herein, commercial RuO₂ nanostructures were found to be a robust, versatile, and competitive catalyst in H₂ photoproduction in several conditions. We employed it in a classic three-component system and compared its activities with those of the widely used platinum nanoparticle catalyst. We observed a hydrogen evolution rate of 0.137 mol h^-1 g^-1 and an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 6.8% in water using EDTA as an electron donor. Moreover, the favorable employment of l-cysteine as the electron source opens possibilities precluded to other noble metal catalyst. The versatility of the system has also been demonstrated in organic media with impressive H₂ production in acetonitrile. The robustness has been proved by the recovery of the catalyst by centrifugation and reusage alternatively in different media.