In a review entitled Frontiers of water oxidation: the quest for true catalysts from G. R. Patzke and coworkers registered that the hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties act as a barrier for coupling process of two radicals during water oxidation without any explanation about that. Now here is the question How can hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties affect the radical coupling process in WO's molecular catalysts? Is there any relation between hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties and the radical coupling mechanism ?
For splitting water, Nafion membranes are used in the electrolysis process. They have hydrophilic groups in the holes through which water flows. Hydrophobic patches separate these pores. Molecular catalysts are attached to the hydrophobic sites, which, when illuminated with light, break down water. With lighting and electrolysis, the amount of hydrogen produced increases.
Dear Yuri Mirgorod The question is not about water splitting but about a half-reaction, water oxidation.
"the radical coupling process in WO's molecular catalysts?" is not proved hypothesis on the mechanism of water oxidation by molecular catalysts. Be critical while reading. Not everything published is true. The best way to get the answer would be to forward your question Prof. Gretta Patzke.
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Dear Yurii V Geletii
My answer relates to hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties and how they relate to the molecular catalyst used to produce hydrogen. I have not tried to explain the mechanism of catalysis, the term break down water does not correspond to splitting.It is not definite, as is the question.
Dear Yuri Mirgorod I don't critic your answer. I'm just paying your attention to the original question, which is about water oxidation half reaction mechanism. No membrane, no hydrogen evolution, not necessary electrolysis.