Homogeneous and heterogeneous molecular catalysts for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas whose presence in the atmosphere significantly contributes to climate change. Developing sustainable, cost-effective pathways to convert CO2 into higher value chemicals is essential to curb its atmospheric presence. Electrochemical CO2 reduction to value-added chemicals using molecular catalysis currently attracts a lot of attention, since it provides an efficient and promising way to increase CO2 utilization. Introducing amino groups as substituents to molecular catalysts is a promising approach towards improving capture and reduction of CO2. This review explores recently developed state-of-the-art molecular catalysts with a focus on heterogeneous and homogeneous amine molecular catalysts for electroreduction of CO2. The relationship between the structural properties of the molecular catalysts and CO2 electroreduction will be highlighted in this review. We will also discuss recent advances in the heterogeneous field by examining different immobilization techniques and their relation with molecular structure and conductive effects.