Ultrafast X-ray spectroscopic investigations and molecular dynamics are now achievable with short X-ray pulses produced by laboratory table-top high-order harmonics. Those X-rays probe transitions from localized inner shells on specific atomic sites in the molecules to valence orbitals, conveying new information about photochemical transformations. The interpretations of these spectra involve...
A self-induced photosensitive bis(pyridyl)amine-bipyridine-iron(II) framework [Fe(BPAbipyH)]2+ can convert CO2 to CO without the addition of an external photosensitizer. Direct irradiation of FeDPABipyH by visible light leads to CO2 reduction to CO with >95% selectivity and >800 TON in 24 h in a mixed-solvent solution (acetonitrile: ethanol = 1:1)1. This is two times higher than what is...
Proton transfer processes lie at the heart of many (bio)chemical reactions. Excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) systems are of particular interest due to possible application as e.g. photoluminescence sensors or white-light emitting materials. In ESIPT, the proton transfer process is initiated through excitation into a 𝛑𝛑* state with UV or visible light and leads to...
The most efficient and sustainable means of storing energy from raw sources involves harnessing chemical bonds. Achieving this requires the development of catalysts that are not only cost-effective but also exhibit high efficiency and selectivity. Many of these catalysts are inspired by bioinorganic systems where transition metal centers mediate complex redox transformations. Advanced X-ray...
