Strategic factors to design the next generation of molecular water oxidation catalysts: Lesson learned from ruthenium complexes

Energy conversion through sustainable means is essential to counter global warming and an urgent solution a multidisciplinary approach required. The temperature change stems from the emission of greenhouse gases largely contributed by burning fossil fuels; thus, its replacement with clean, cheap, energy source paramount. Water one integral sources potentially attractive produce hydrogen (H2) gas substitute fuels. In this respect, molecular ruthenium complexes are far best water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) proton (H+) as for H2 production oxygen (O2) clean by-product. Here, we have made insightful chronology ruthenium-based (RWOCs) quantify classified activation deactivation pathways in chemical electrochemical reactions (WORs). chronology, RWOCs into three main groups, including Ru(N)6, Ru(N)5(O), Ru(N)4(O)2 which last group most robust powerful WOCs. However, still, there ?200 mV overpotential current challenges WOR. Based on experimental data collected over four decades extracted these categories, suggest new family that can be workhorse very low overpotential. Moreover, lesson learned has been applied redesign metal-based Such insights provide unparalleled practical information WOCs various metals high activity durability employed cap warming.