Rivier, LuciePeljo, Pekka EeroVannay, Laurent A. C.Gschwend, Grégoire ClémentMéndez, Manuel A.Corminboeuf, ClémenceScanlon, Micheál D.Girault, Hubert2017-01-272017-01-272017-01-27201710.1002/anie.201610240https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/134012WOS:000395566600012The photoinduced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by decamethylruthenocene, Cp2*RuII (Cp*=C5Me5), is reported. The use of a metallocene to photoproduce hydrogen is presented as an alternative strategy to reduce protons without involving an additional photosensitizer. The mechanism was investigated by (spectro)electrochemical and spectroscopic (UV/Vis and 1H NMR) measurements. The photoactivated hydride involved was characterized spectroscopically and the resulting [Cp2*RuIII]+ species was electrochemically regenerated in situ on a fluorinated tin oxide electrode surface. A promising internal quantum yield of 25 % was obtained. Optimal experimental conditions— especially the use of weakly coordinating solvent and counterions—are discussed.decamethylruthenoceneelectrocatalysishydrogen evolution reactionmetallocenestext::journal::journal article::research article