A visible light water-splitting cell with a photoanode formed by codeposition of a high-potential porphyrin and an iridium water-oxidation catalyst

Abstract

A high-potential porphyrin is codeposited on TiO2 nanoparticles together with our Cp*-iridium water-oxidation catalyst to give a photoanode for a water-splitting cell. The photoanode optically resembles the porphyrin yet electrochemically responds like the Ir catalyst when it is immersed in aqueous solutions. Photoelectrochemical data show that illumination of the codeposited anode in water results in a marked enhancement and stability of the photocurrent, providing evidence for light-induced activation of the catalyst. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry.