Alkoxides are a promising platform for CO2 capture systems, capable of atmospheric capture applications. These systems remain highly inefficient however, due to the requirement of thermal swings to cycle between the capture and release steps. Electrochemical reduction of the alkyl carbonate species formed upon CO2 binding avoids the need for thermal alkoxide regeneration. Rhodium bis-phosphine complexes featuring hydroxyl functionality were synthesized and their ability to capture and reduce CO2 investigated. Upon reduction of the complexes, deprotonation of a hydroxyl group occurs to form a Rh-H bond. Once deprotonated, the resulting alkoxide can bind to CO2 to form an alkyl carbonate. Further reduction of the complex results in hydride transfer to the captured CO2 to release formate, and regenerate the alkoxide CO2 capture species. The activity of each complex is compared to the corresponding bis-phosphine complexes lacking hydroxyl functionality.

Utilization of proton-responsive ligands to faciliate electrochemical capture and reduction of carbon dioxide

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

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