Sensitized Photoredox Processes and Their Applications

Extensive electron-transfer chemistry exhibited by the excited state of polypyridyl complexes suggests that these photoredox processes can be used to drive useful chemical processes. Processes such as photodecomposition of water to molecular hydrogen and oxygen and photoreduction of CO2 immediately come as potential candidates to examine  

Enormous interest shown on the photochemistry of transition metal polypyridyl complexes in fact is linked to these type of applications in the domain of photochemical conversion of solar energy. Practically every metal complex with fully or partially characterized electronically excited state has been examined as a means of generating key oxidants and/or reductants required and some have shown partial success. A number of reviews of these topics are available [63-65] and hence only the basic principles and summary of progress in these areas will be indicated. 

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