Enhanced performance of molecular electrocatalysts for CO(2) reduction in a flow cell following K(+) addition

Electrocatalytic CO(2) reduction is a key aspect of artificial photosynthesis systems designed to produce fuels. Although some molecular catalysts have good performance for CO(2) reduction, these compounds also suffer from poor durability and energy efficiency. The present work demonstrates the improved CO(2) reduction activity exhibited by molecular catalysts in a flow cell. These catalysts were composed of a cobalt-tetrapyridino-porphyrazine complex supported on carbon black together with potassium salt and were both stable and efficient. These systems were found to promote electrocatalytic CO(2) reduction with a current density of 100 mA/cm(2) and generated CO over at least 1 week with a selectivity of approximately 95%. The optimal catalyst gave a turnover number of 3,800,000 and an energy conversion efficiency of more than 62% even at 200 mA/cm(2).