Solar Driven Water Oxidation by a Bioinspired Manganese Molecular Catalyst

A photoelectrochemical cell was designed that catalyzes the photooxidation of water using visible light as the sole energy source and a molecular catalyst, [Mn(4)O(4)L(6)](+) (1(+), L = bis(methoxyphenyl)phosphinate), synthesized from earth-abundant elements. The essential features include a photochemical charge separation system, [Ru(II)(bipy)(2)(bipy(COO)(2))], adhered to titania-coated FTO conductive glass, and 1(+) embedded within a proton-conducting membrane (Nafion). The complete photoanode represents a functional analogue of the water-oxidizing center of natural photosynthesis.