Splitting CO2 into CO and O2 by a single catalyst

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Sep 25;109(39):15606-11. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1203122109. Epub 2012 Jun 8.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Dioxide / chemistry*
  • Carbon Monoxide / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Electrochemical Techniques
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxygen / chemistry*
  • Ruthenium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Ruthenium
  • Oxygen