Porphyrin-based catalysts for water splitting

Abstract

The porphyrin-based catalysts for water splitting are composites of porphyrin or metalloporphyrin active ingredients, conductive carbon (e.g., graphene sheets, vapor grown carbon fiber, carbon black, etc.), and a polymer or binder that may be coated on a glassy carbon electrode. The polymer or binder may be Nafion oil or polyvinylidine difluoride. The porphyrin may be a porphyrin having a transition metal or hydrogen at its center, and may be halogenated and/or have a thiophene substituent.

1 . Porphyrin-based catalysts for water splitting, comprising a composite having a mixture of:
 a porphyrin compound;   conductive carbon; and   a polymer binder.   
     
     
         2 . The porphyrin-based catalysts for water splitting of  claim 1 , wherein the porphyrin compound has the formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein M is H 2 , CO, Ni, Cu, or Zn, and X is F, Cl, or Br. 
       
     
     
         3 . The porphyrin-based catalysts for water splitting of  claim 2 , wherein M is cobalt. 
     
     
         4 . The porphyrin-based catalyst for water splitting of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive carbon comprises vapor grown carbon fiber. 
     
     
         5 . The porphyrin-based catalysts for water splitting of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive carbon comprises a graphene sheet. 
     
     
         6 . The porphyrin-based catalysts for water splitting of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive carbon comprises carbon black. 
     
     
         7 . The porphyrin-based catalysts for water splitting of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer binder comprises Nafion oil. 
     
     
         8 . The porphyrin-based catalysts for water splitting of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer binder comprises polyvinylidine difluoride (PVDF). 
     
     
         9 . The porphyrin-based catalysts according to  claim 1 , wherein said porphyrin compound comprises a central transition metal. 
     
     
         10 . The porphyrin-based catalysts according to  claim 1 , wherein said porphyrin compound comprises a thiophene substituent. 
     
     
         11 . The porphyrin-based catalysts according to  claim 1 , wherein said porphyrin compound comprises a halogen substituent selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, and F. 
     
     
         12 - 20 . (canceled)