Borohydride is an air-stable hydride donor commonly used in organic chemistry, but has been less explored for CO2 reduction. Its behavior can be used to better understand hydride transfer chemistry in water. Carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in aqueous solution to produce formate (HCO2-). This reaction is in direct competition with H2 production, which is an undesirable side-reaction. The development of a system with enhanced selectivity for CO2 reduction via hydride transfer from borohydride in water was explored through the use of additives such as metal salts. Some additives were significantly more effective than others in enhancing selectivity, with Li2SO4 and LiNO3 showing the best formate yields. The ability to control CO2 reduction selectivity in aqueous solution could be used to improve other CO2 reduction approached such as catalytic hydrogenation or electrocatalytic reduction. After understanding CO2 reduction to formate in water, the next step will be to elucidate conditions suitable to reduce formate into methanol, with the goal of converting CO2 into a liquid fuel.

Examination of the effects of sub-stoichiometric additives on CO2 reduction in water by a hydride donor

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.