Homogeneous and heterogeneous molecular catalysts for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) is a greenhouse gas whose presence in the atmosphere significantly contributes to climate change. Developing sustainable, cost-effective pathways to convert CO(2) into higher value chemicals is essential to curb its atmospheric presence. Electrochemical CO(2) reduction to value-added chemicals using molecular catalysis currently attracts a lot of attention, since it provides an efficient and promising way to increase CO(2) utilization. Introducing amino groups as substituents to molecular catalysts is a promising approach towards improving capture and reduction of CO(2). This review explores recently developed state-of-the-art molecular catalysts with a focus on heterogeneous and homogeneous amine molecular catalysts for electroreduction of CO(2). The relationship between the structural properties of the molecular catalysts and CO(2) electroreduction will be highlighted in this review. We will also discuss recent advances in the heterogeneous field by examining different immobilization techniques and their relation with molecular structure and conductive effects.