Investigation of transition metal (Fe, Ni, Co) complexes based on 1,10- phenanthroline as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction

Hydrogen production with zero carbon emission is considered as an excellent alternative to fossil fuels. To realize this goal, the design, and development of a new electrocatalyst is much needed. In the present work, we report electrochemical properties and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of three transition metal (M = Fe, Ni, Co) complexes based on 1,10- phenanthroline ligand. As compared to free acid (Ep = -1.85 V vs Ag/AgCl), electrocatalytic reduction of acetic acid takes place at lower overpotential (-1.22 to -1.50 V vs Ag/AgCl) in [Bu 4 N][BF 4 ]-DMF electrolyte at room temperature. Based on the data obtained and earlier reports, a possible mechanism of HER has also been delineated.