![]() ![]() Since the polymerization mechanism for PANI is well-known, we were able to adapt and suggest similar pathways for the polymerization of guanine. We used this homology and adopted a similar polymerization strategy with the ultimate goal to obtain a functionalized emeraldine-polyguanine (ePG) system. Guanine shares a structural analogy with aniline, i.e., it possesses one terminal amine and an adverse activated C H group at the para-positioned imidazole-ring ( Figure 1). 11 In order to enable its utilization as heterogeneous catalyst, we sought to polymerize guanine and as such create an insoluble, amino-functional and electrically conducting biopolymer. However, the guanine nucleobase is a small molecular system that is electrically insulating and soluble in water. ![]() We hypothesize that activation of all the conjunct penta-amino functions in the nucleobase can lead to an electrocatalyst that possesses an active site surface density equal to the presently used noble metals. In this work we introduce guanine as one attractive potential molecular electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). 9 Hence, to meet the criteria of a good hydrogen electrocatalyst, i.e., having a low binding energy for hydrogen (Δ G H*), providing high exchange current densities ( i 0) and low Tafel slopes is a major challenge. 8 A rapid movement toward metal-free catalysis is highly coveted and is considered as one of the key aspects in sustainable energy. 3Ĭurrently, an enormous effort is put in developing new electrocatalysts, however, many studies still rely on transition metals 4 (mainly phosphides, 5 nitrides, carbides, 6 oxides and sulfides 7 thereof), metal organic frameworks and di-, tri-, and tetrachalcogenides. 1 Instead of commonly used platinum, rhodium and related, 2 functional, bioinspired organics could be optimized for on-par efficient heterogeneous catalysis. In order to transfer hydrogen to a carbon-neutral energy carrier, it has to be electroconvertible using abundant and inexpensive catalyst materials. To date, the production of hydrogen is fossil-based and relies mainly on steam-reforming of natural gas. ![]()
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