Volume 61, Issue 44 e202205301
Review

Molecular Engineering of Metal Complexes for Electrocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction: From Adjustment of Intrinsic Activity to Molecular Immobilization

Zhi-Wen Yang

Zhi-Wen Yang

State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China

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Jin-Mei Chen

Jin-Mei Chen

State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China

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Li-Qi Qiu

Li-Qi Qiu

State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China

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Wen-Jun Xie

Wen-Jun Xie

State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China

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Prof. Dr. Liang-Nian He

Corresponding Author

Prof. Dr. Liang-Nian He

State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China

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Dedicated to the 60th anniversary of Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Nankai University.
First published: 22 July 2022
Citations: 72

Graphical Abstract

This Review focuses on molecular catalysts for the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (ECO2RR) including metal bipyridines and macrocycle complexes, and summarizes the molecular engineering strategies developed to regulate the intrinsic catalytic efficiency and modify the electrode. Guidelines are provided for the rational design of ECO2RR catalytic systems.

Abstract

The electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (ECO2RR) is one promising method for storing intermittent clean energy in chemical bonds and producing fuels. Among various kinds of catalysts for ECO2RR, molecular metal complexes with well-defined structures are convenient for studies of their rational design, structure–reactivity relationships, and mechanisms. In this Review, we summarize the molecular engineering of several N-based metal complexes including Re/Mn bipyridine compounds and metal macrocycles, concluding with general modification strategies to devise novel molecular catalysts with high intrinsic activity. Through physical adsorption, covalent linking, and formation of a periodic backbone, these active molecules can be heterogenized into immobilized catalysts with more practical prospects. Finally, significant challenges and opportunities based on molecular catalysts are discussed.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

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