Polyaromatic-terminated iron(ii) clathrochelates as electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen production in water electrolysis cells with polymer electrolyte membrane

Hydrogen-evolving cathodes were prepared using a series of iron(ii) clathrochelates bearing various number of terminal phenanthrenyl groups via physisorption on carbon paper and employed in the polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis cells instead of typically used platinum. In situ electrochemical activation of the cathodes was carried out, after that the cells performance and durability were evaluated. These clathrochelate complexes represent a promising alternative to platinum as hydrogen-evolving cathode electrocatalysts.