[FeFe]-hydrogenase-inspired membrane electrode and its catalytic evolution of hydrogen in water

Introducing polyethyleneimine (PEI) into the electrospun fibrous membranes containing diiron mimics of [FeFe]-hydrogenase: Membrane electrodes and their electrocatalysis on proton reduction in aqueous media

“…In our previous report, complex 1 was employed to prepare electrospun fibrous membrane (EFM) based on cellulose acetate [48]. In this system, although an electrode operational in aqueous medium was assembled largely due to the hydrophiliciyt of cellulose acetate, the interaction between the diiron complex and the matrix is not sufficient since the complex is highly water-insoluble.…”

“…2. Previously, we used multiwall carbon nanotubes (MCNT) to improve the conductivity of the membrane based on cellulose acetate [48]. Compared with (MCNT), graphene possesses merits in both dimension and conductivity.…”

“…To assemble an electrode, the procedure used previously was adopted [48]. A piece of electrospun fibrous membrane (f ¼ 6 mm) was cut off from a large EFM by a paper punch and then transferred onto the surface of a glass carbon Scheme 1 e Synthesis of complexes 1e4.…”

“…To enhance proton transfer during the catalysis and hence catalytic performance, and conductivity, basic component (polyethyleneimine, PEI) and graphene oxide were introduced into the membranes, respectively. In this research, four diiron carbonyl models, [Fe 2 (mÀedt) (CO) 6 6 ] (4), were employed to prepare the functional EFMs, among which mimic 1 was used in our previous report and quoted here as a comparison [48]. These EFMs were characterised using infrared spectroscopic, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electromicroscopic techniques.…”

“…To this end, we have tried a number of strategies to develop polymeric materials functionalised with diiron mimics, (ⅰ) directly polymerising diiron model complexes containing an alkynyl group [44,45]; (ⅱ) using "click chemistry" reaction between an alkynyl and an organic azide [46]; (ⅲ) chemically immobilising diiron mimics onto commercially available polymers such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PEI (polyenthylenimine) [36,47]; (ⅳ) incorporating a diiron mimic into fibrous membranes via electrospinning technique [48].…”