CHAPTER 12: Metallosupramolecular Assemblies for Application as Photocatalysts for the Production of Solar Fuels

In this chapter the supramolecular design principles required for the preparation of molecular photocatalysts for the generation of hydrogen and the reduction of CO₂ into useful chemical feedstocks are discussed. An overview on the importance of the experimental conditions used and the parameters to assess the efficiency of the photocatalytic systems are also included. A series of compounds will be discussed to outline the general principles and illustrate how subtle differences in reaction conditions or indeed in the chemical composition of the photosensitiser or the catalytic centre can affect the photocatalytic efficiency or the product ratio obtained. Conclusions about the resulting structure–property relationships will be drawn.