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: —(Y1O3—Z—Y2O3)MeY— Y1 and Y2 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°red value; and MeY being a divalent, trivalent, or tetravalent metal of Group III, IVA, or IVB having an atomic number of at least 21 or a lanthanide with bonded anions. The units are bound to the substrate through an organic polymer having side chains derivatized with phosphonate or arsonate groups. 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.

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.sup.1 O.sub.3 --Z--Y.sup.2 O.sub.3)Me.sup.Y --Y.sup.1 and Y.sup.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.sup..smallcircle..sub.red value; and Me.sup.Y being a divalent, trivalent, or tetravalent metal of Group IIIA, IIIB, IVA, or IVB having an atomic number of at least 21 or a lanthanide with bonded anions. The units are bound to the substrate through an organic polymer having side chains derivatized with phosphonate or arsonate groups. 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.

Abstract: Multi-layered compositions having a plurality of pillared metal complexes disposed on a supporting substrate, the pillars comprising divalent electron acceptor moieties with a phosphonate or arsenate at each end. Each layer of parallel pillars is separated by a layer of a group (IVA), (IVB), (IIIA) or (IIIB) metal or a lanthanide. The compositions can further comprise particles of at least one Group VIII metal at zero valence entrapped within each layer of the complex. The complexes can also incorporate "stalactites" and "stalagmites" of capped arsonato or phosphonato ligands interspersed with the pillars providing a series of interstices about each electron accepting group. The supporting substrate can be comprised of an organic polymer template. The complexes are useful for the conversion and storage of solar energy, for the production of photocurrents, and as catalysts for reduction reactions, for example, the production of hydrogen peroxide from oxygen and hydrogen gases, the production of H.sub.