Oxygen-tolerant proton reduction catalysis: much O2 about nothing?

Abstract

Proton reduction catalysts are an integral component of artificial photosynthetic systems for the production of H₂. This perspective covers such catalysts with respect to their tolerance towards the potential catalyst inhibitor O₂. O₂ is abundant in our atmosphere and generated as a by-product during the water splitting process, therefore maintaining proton reduction activity in the presence of O₂ is important for the widespread production of H₂. This perspective article summarises viable strategies for avoiding the adverse effects of aerobic environments to encourage their adoption and improvement in future research. H₂-evolving enzymatic systems, molecular synthetic catalysts and catalytic surfaces are discussed with respect to their interaction with O₂ and analytical techniques through which O₂-tolerant catalysts can be studied are described.