Publication 904

Energy Lett., 5 (5), 1512-1518, 2020 DOI:10.1021/acsenergylett.0c00536
Molecular Catalysts Boost the Rate of Electrolytic CO2 Reduction

CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, CRPP, UMR 5031, 115 Avenue Schweitzer, F-33600 Pessac, France
Université de Paris, Laboratoire d’Electrochimie Moléculaire, UMR 7591, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France

Electrolysis is a potentially useful approach for converting carbon dioxide into chemicals and fuels. The most active electrocatalysts for efficiently mediating the carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) have long been assumed to be solid silver, gold, and copper. However, there is an emerging body of data showing that molecular catalysts can operate at levels of performance commensurate with solid-state catalysts. These recent advances in deploying molecular catalysts present entirely new opportunities for understanding CO2RR in electrochemical reactors and tailoring active sites for the selective formation of CO2RR products. This Perspective highlights the recent advances and the opportunities for the implementation of molecular electrocatalysts into CO2RR electrolyzer.