Catalytic hydrogen production at cobalt centres

The catalytic properties of a wide range of cobalt complexes with respect to proton reduction are discussed. Electrocatalytic as well as photocatalytic systems are addressed and to allow comparison between the different systems reported considerable attention is paid to the reaction conditions used. For the photocatalytic proton reduction a range of ruthenium, iridium and rhenium complexes are discussed as potential photosensitizers. The photocatalytic systems are discussed in detail and issues such as the nature of the sacrificial agent and the solvents used. Both intermolecular and intramolecular photocatalysis are considered. The results obtained are considered with respect to the need to the development of sustainable energy sources.