Non-Metallic Phosphorus Corrole as Efficient Electrocatalyst in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

The economical consideration of using an electrocatalyst in energy-related field, composed of non-precious/sustainable elements is quite noteworthy. In this work, the phosphorus(V) complex of tris-(pentafluorophenyl)corrole [(TPFC)P^V (OH)₂ ] was reported as electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The electrochemical studies revealed that the HER experienced a ECEC pathway (E: electron transfer step, C: chemical step), and the possible intermediate [P^V ]-H species was suggested. (TPFC)P^V (OH)₂ displayed excellent HER activity in dimethylformamide (DMF) with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as the proton source, and the turnover frequency (TOF) reached 31.75 s^-1 at an overpotential of 900 mV. Interestingly, the HER electrocatalytic performance remained extraordinary even applying water as a proton source in acetonitrile/water (v/v=2 : 3), with a TOF of 18.40 mol ${}_{H{}_2}$ mol_cat ^-1 h^-1 at an overpotential of 900 mV.

Keywords: electrocatalysis; homogeneous catalysis; hydrogen evolution; molecular catalyst; phosphorus.