Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of two different hydrogenase models based on DMAEMA copolymer structure

•Two novel hydrogenase models based on copolymers of styrene derivatives containing phosphorus ligands and DMAEMA were synthesized.•The two new model compounds have good solubility and can dissolve in most polar solvents, including water.•The polymerization ratios of the copolymer model compounds were calculated by 1H NMR.•The photocatalytic activity of the new catalysts were better than that of similar small molecules or immobilized catalysts.