Catalysis of nickel ferrite for photocatalytic water oxidation using [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and S2O8(2-).

Single or mixed oxides of iron and nickel have been examined as catalysts in photocatalytic water oxidation using Ru(bpy)(3) as a photosensitizer and S(2)O(8)(2-) as a sacrificial oxidant. The catalytic activity of nickel ferrite (NiFe(2)O(4)) is comparable to that of a catalyst containing Ir, Ru, or Co in terms of O(2) yield and O(2) evolution rate under ambient reaction conditions. NiFe(2)O(4) also possesses robustness and ferromagnetic properties, which are beneficial for easy recovery from the solution after reaction. Water oxidation catalysis achieved by a composite of earth-abundant elements will contribute to a new approach to the design of catalysts for artificial photosynthesis.