A new hydrophilic supramolecular photocatalyst for the production of H in aerobic aqueous solutions

Addition of sulfonated terminal ligands into a Ru,Rh,Ru photocatalyst has a significant impact on the excited-state properties of the complex. The hydrophilic photocatalyst demonstrates increased solubility and H 2 production in aqueous solutions. H 2 production is observed under aerobic conditions for the new complex, a stark contrast to the hydrophobic analog in organic solvents. Addition of sulfonated ligands into a Ru,Rh,Ru photocatalyst increases solubility and H 2 production in aqueous aerobic solutions.