Water oxidation catalysts constructed by biorelevant first-row metal complexes

Abstract

The construction of highly active molecular catalysts for the water oxidation reaction (2H2O → O2 + 4H+ + 4e-) based on earth-abundant and low-toxic metal ions is strongly required to develop a sustainable artificial energy cycle. Biorelevant first-row transition metal ions, manganese, copper, and iron ions, are attractive candidates for such catalysts because of their ubiquitous nature and high affinity for oxygen atoms. In this highlight review, we introduce recent progress in the development of artificial water oxidation catalysts containing biorelevant first-row metal ions.