A unique Co(iii)-peptoid as a fast electrocatalyst for homogeneous water oxidation with low overpotential

Abstract

A peptoid trimer incorporating terpyridine and ethanol forms an intermolecular cobalt(III) complex, which performs as a soluble electrocatalyst for water oxidation with a minimal overpotential of 350 mV and a high turnover frequency of 108 s⁻¹. The ethanolic group facilitates water binding thus mimicking an enzymatic second coordination sphere.