When an alternative electron donor of 5 vol. % triethylamine in water solution was used, TBAP-α was found to dissolve and no measurable hydrogen was produced under visible light irradiation. TPyP-α and TPhP-α were both stable in 5% triethylamine but had low HERs of 40 and 6 µmol g -1 h -1 , respectively. None of the materials produced hydrogen when tested in a 5 vol. % TEA solution adjusted to pH 7.