Proton reduction by molecular catalysts in water under demanding atmospheres

The electrocatalytic proton reduction activity of a Ni bis(diphosphine) (NiP) and a cobaloxime (CoP) catalyst has been studied in water in the presence of the gaseous inhibitors O2 and CO. CoP shows an appreciable tolerance towards O2, but its activity suffers severely in the presence of CO. In contrast, NiP is strongly inhibited by O2, but produces H2 under high CO concentrations.