Enhanced and Durable Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution by Cobalt-Based Prussian Blue Analogs in Phospholipid Bilayers

Light-driven hydrogen (H₂) evolution in water is performed using a series of cobalt-based Prussian blue analogs (MCo PBAs) with M^II₃[Co^III(CN)₆]₂, M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn embedded in phospholipid bilayers with the amphiphilic ruthenium-based photosensitizer RuC₉. Hydrophobic surface functionalization of MCo PBA nanoparticles with oleylamine facilitates close proximity of the PBA to the photosensitizer within lipid bilayers of vesicles, enhancing photocatalytic performance. The type of metal and rigidity of the lipid environment significantly influences hydrogen evolution reaction efficiency, with the trend: Ni > Co > Zn > Cu and DMPC > DOPC > DPPC. Among these, NiCo PBA in DMPC: (14:0 PEG2000 PE) vesicles shows the highest efficiency, with a ninefold increase in H₂ production compared to the conventional aqueous system. This sustained activity is attributed to the efficient electron transfer and the scaffold's stability. This study provides valuable insights for the development of scalable and cost-effective photocatalytic technologies.