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Tuning Range-Separated Density Functional Theory for Photocatalytic Water Splitting Systems

We discuss the system-specific optimization of long-range-separated density functional theory (DFT) for the prediction of electronic properties relevant for a photocatalytic cycle based on an Ir­(III) photosensitizer (IrPS). Special attention is paid to the charge-transfer properties, which are of key importance for the photoexcitation dynamics but cannot be correctly described by means of conventional DFT. The optimization of the range-separation parameter using the ΔSCF method is discussed for IrPS including its derivatives and complexes with electron donors and acceptors used in photocatalytic hydrogen production. Particular attention is paid to the problems arising for a description of medium effects by means of a polarizable continuum model

Electron- and Energy-Transfer Processes in a Photocatalytic System Based on an Ir(III)-Photosensitizer and an Iron Catalyst

The reaction pathways of bis-(2-phenylpyridinato-)­(2,2′-bipyridine)­iridium­(III)­hexafluorophosphate [Ir­(ppy)₂(bpy)]­PF₆ within a photocatalytic water reduction system for hydrogen generation based on an iron-catalyst were investigated by employing time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory. Electron transfer (ET) from the sacrificial reagent to the photoexcited Ir complex has a surprisingly low probability of 0.4% per collision. Hence, this step limits the efficiency of the overall system. The calculations show that ET takes place only for specific encounter geometries. At the same time, the presence of the iron-catalyst represents an energy loss channel due to a triplet–triplet energy transfer of Dexter type. This loss channel is kept small by the employed concentration ratios, thus favoring the reductive ET necessary for the water reduction. The elucidated reaction mechanisms underline the further need to improve the sun light’s energy pathway to the catalyst to increase the efficiency of the photocatalytic system

Chemical Bonding in Aqueous Ferrocyanide: Experimental and Theoretical X‑ray Spectroscopic Study

Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) and X-ray absorption (XA) experiments at the iron L- and nitrogen K-edge are combined with high-level first-principles restricted active space self-consistent field (RASSCF) calculations for a systematic investigation of the nature of the chemical bond in potassium ferrocyanide in aqueous solution. The atom- and site-specific RIXS excitations allow for direct observation of ligand-to-metal (Fe L-edge) and metal-to-ligand (N K-edge) charge-transfer bands and thereby evidence for strong σ-donation and π-backdonation. The effects are identified by comparing experimental and simulated spectra related to both the unoccupied and occupied molecular orbitals in solution