A porphyrin–polyoxometallate bio-inspired mimic for artificial photosynthesis

Abstract

A multi-porphyrin cluster has been covalently attached to a polyoxometallate (POM) catalyst so as to form an advanced model for the photosynthetic reaction complex. This bio-inspired mimic displays efficient energy transfer from the peripheral zinc porphyrins (ZnP) to the central free-base porphyrin (FbP). The latter species participates in a light-induced electron transfer with the POM. Charge recombination is hindered by hole transfer from the FbP to one of the ZnPs. Charge accumulation occurs at the POM under illumination in the presence of a sacrificial electron donor.