Spin density distribution after electron transfer from triethylamine to an [Ir(ppy)2(bpy)]+ photosensitizer during photocatalytic water reduction.

The photoreduction of the bis(2-phenylpyridinato-)(2,2'-bipyridine)iridium(III) ion ([Ir(ppy)2(bpy)](+)), used as a photosensitizer in photocatalytic water splitting, by triethylamine was studied by means of UV/VIS, XANES, and EPR spectroscopies, supported by theoretical calculations at density functional theory (DFT) and complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF/CASPT2) levels. The combination of these methods suggests a predominant bpy localization of the spin-density of the unpaired electron with notable delocalization to the Ir center. This is particularly evident from EPR and theoretical results and leads to broad EPR lines and a large anisotropy of the g-factor.

Photoswitching of enzyme activity by laser-induced pH-jump.

Controlled initiation of biochemical events and in particular of protein activity is a powerful tool in biochemical research. Specifically, optical trigger signals are an attractive approach for remote control of enzyme activity. We present a method for generating optical control of enzyme activity applicable to a widespread range of enzymes.

Photocatalytic water reduction with copper-based photosensitizers: a noble-metal-free system.

Of noble descent: a fully noble-metal-free system for the photocatalytic reduction of water at room temperature has been developed. This system consists of Cu(I) complexes as photosensitizers and [Fe(3)(CO)(12)] as the water-reduction catalyst. The novel Cu-based photosensitizers are relatively inexpensive, readily available from commercial sources, and stable to ambient conditions, thus making them an attractive alternative to the widely used noble-metal based systems.