Splitting CO2 into CO and O2 by a single catalyst.

Chen, Zuofeng; Concepcion, Javier J; Brennaman, M Kyle; Kang, Peng; Norris, Michael R; Hoertz, Paul G; Meyer, Thomas J · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2012

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The metal complex [(tpy)(Mebim-py)Ru(II)(S)](2+) (tpy = 2,2' : 6',2''-terpyridine; Mebim-py = 3-methyl-1-pyridylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene; S = solvent) is a robust, reactive electrocatalyst toward both water oxidation to oxygen and carbon dioxide reduction to carbon monoxide. Here we describe its use as a single electrocatalyst for CO(2) splitting, CO(2) → CO + 1/2 O(2), in a two-compartment electrochemical cell.

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