Cobaltocene Polymers for Low-Potential Enzymatic Electrocatalysis

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Redox polymers are crucial for immobilizing oxidoreductase enzymes in electrocatalysis.
• Limited availability of redox polymers for low-potential electroenzymatic reactions has hindered progress.
• Enzymatic electrocatalysis offers a promising route for sustainable chemical synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the preparation of a cobaltocene-containing redox polymer, Cc-BPEI.
• To demonstrate the utility of Cc-BPEI in electroenzymatic synthesis of various chemicals.
• To showcase the coupling of Cc-BPEI with [FeFe]-hydrogenase for hydrogen production.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of cobaltocene-modified branched poly(ethylenimine) (Cc-BPEI).
• Immobilization of oxidoreductase enzymes onto electrode surfaces using Cc-BPEI.
• Electrochemical characterization and application in electroenzymatic synthesis.

Main Results:

• Successful preparation of Cc-BPEI, a redox polymer suitable for low-potential applications.
• Demonstrated electroenzymatic synthesis of molecular hydrogen (H2), formate (HCOO-), NADH, and ammonia (NH3).
• Effective coupling of Cc-BPEI with [FeFe]-hydrogenase for H2 production.

Conclusions:

• Cc-BPEI is a versatile redox polymer for immobilizing enzymes in electrocatalysis.
• This polymer facilitates efficient low-potential electroenzymatic synthesis of key chemicals.
• The developed system shows potential for sustainable chemical production via enzymatic routes.