Bimetallic nickel–cobalt hydrides in H2 activation and catalytic proton reduction

Abstract

The synergism of the electronic properties of nickel and cobalt enables bimetallic NiCo complexes to process H₂. The nickel–cobalt hydride [(dppe)Ni(pdt)(H)CoCp*]⁺ ([1H]⁺) arising from protonation of the reduced state 1 was found to be an efficient electrocatalyst for H₂ evolution with Cl₂CHCOOH, and the oxidized [Ni(II)Co(III)]²⁺ form is capable of activating H₂ to produce [1H]⁺. The features of stereodynamics, acid–base properties, redox chemistry and reactivity of these bimetallic NiCo complexes in processing H₂ are potentially related to the active site of [NiFe]-H₂ases.