In this work, CO2 is reduced to CO by an electrochemical route in ionic liquids in the presence of superoxide radicals (O2−). O2− radical plays the role of a catalyst in the reduction of CO2 to CO in the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BmimNTf2) ionic liquid. This work offers a green approach for CO2 reduction under simple and mild conditions and has potential applications in a broad range of molecular-material platforms, catalytic systems, as well as biological processes involving O2. In this study, CO2 reduction to CO is observed at a very low over-potential, &gt; 90% faradaic efficiency, and near 100% of carbon selectivity. By combining superoxide radicals with green ionic liquid electrolytes, this low-cost system is efficient and environmentally friendly. Experiments and simulations have been performed to understand the processes and mechanisms of CO2 reduction involving superoxide radicals and Bmim cations.

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO catalyzed by superoxide radicals in ionic liquids

255th National Meeting (2018)

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