Advances in Water Oxidation Catalysis

Dear Colleagues,

Photocatalytic water oxidation is the most crucial step of photosynthesis, in which solar energy is converted into chemical energy. The water oxidation process usually involves four protons’ and four electrons’ transfer from two water molecules to generate molecular oxygen, resulting in active catalysts being necessary to achieve high efficiency. A highly efficient catalyst for photocatalytic water oxidation is found in the oxygen evolving center, OEC, in photosystem II. The crystal structure of the active site, CaMn4O5 cluster, was unveiled through X-ray crystallography; however, the reaction mechanism is hotly disputed. On the other hand, artificial photosynthesis systems constructed by mimicking the natural photosynthesis system often utilize metal oxides or metal complexes as water oxidation catalysts, where catalysis enhancement is strongly demanded for efficient energy conversion.

Recent advances in reaction mechanisms of water oxidation catalysis (WOC), including not only OEC but also metal oxides or metal complexes, are main topics of this themed Special Issue. Additionally, another important topic is how to incorporate water oxidation catalysts in artificial photosynthesis systems for production of valuable chemicals.

Prof. Dr. Yusuke Yamada
Dr. Dachao Hong
Guest Editors

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