We report on the synthesis and characterization of platinum nanoparticles (PtNps) inside the cavities of a PAMAM dendrimer decorated with [Ru(bpy)3](2+) units at the periphery. The phosphorescent ruthenium complexes are used as signaling units of the Pt(2+) complexation in the dendritic architecture and as photosensitizer units in the photocatalytic production of H2 from water. This is the first example of water photoreduction in which the catalyst and the sensitizer are anchored on a dendritic molecular scaffold. This study provides a new outlook in the design of new supramolecular systems and materials for developing artificial photosynthesis.
Keywords: artificial photosynthesis; luminescence; platinum nanoparticles; ruthenium; water reduction.