| 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: -(Y<1>O3-Z-Y<2>O3)Me<1>-, Y<1> and Y<2> 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 DEG ?red? value; and Me<1> being a trivalent or tetravalent metal of Group III, IVA, or IVB having an atomic number of a least 21 or a lanthanide. The units are bound to the substrate through a divalent linking group. 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. |