A unique Co(III)-peptoid as a fast electrocatalyst for homogeneous water oxidation with low overpotential.

A peptoid trimer incorporating terpyridine and ethanol forms an intermolecular cobalt(iii) complex, which performs as a soluble electrocatalyst for water oxidation with a minimal overpotential of 350 mV and a high turnover frequency of 108 s-1. The ethanolic group facilitates water binding thus mimicking an enzymatic second coordination sphere.