Electron acceptor compositions on polymer templates

Abstract

Stable electron acceptor compositions are composed of a plurality of pillared metal complexes disposed on a supporting substrate. At least one Group VIII metal at zero valence is entrapped within this matrix. The complexes comprise from one to about 100 units of the formula: —(Y1O3—Z—Y2O3)MeY— Y1 and Y2 being phosphorus or arsenic; Z being a divalent group which reversibly forms a stable reduced form and contains two conjugated cationic centers having a negative E°red value; and MeY being a divalent, trivalent, or tetravalent metal of Group III, IVA, or IVB having an atomic number of at least 21 or a lanthanide with bonded anions. The units are bound to the substrate through an organic polymer having side chains derivatized with phosphonate or arsonate groups. Counter anions balance the charge of Z. The compositions can be used in the decomposition of water to yield hydrogen gas, the sensing of oxygen, and as catalysts.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.