Not that innocent – ammonium ions boost homogeneous light-driven hydrogen evolution

Abstract

We report that the homogeneous light-driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) can be significantly enhanced by the presence of seemingly innocent ammonium (NH4+) cations. Expermiental studies with different catalysts, photosensitizers and electron donors show this to be a general effect. Preliminary photophysical and mechanistic studies provide initial suggestions regarding the role of ammonium in the HER enhancement.