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Infrared spectroelectrochemistry study of electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction by [Ir{sub 2}(dimen){sub 4}]{sup 2+}

Conference ·
OSTI ID:214923
; ;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (United States)
The electrocatalytic reduction of CO{sub 2} by [Ir{sub 2}(dimen){sub 4}]{sup 2+} was studied with infrared spectroelectrochemistry. The hexafluorophosphate salt, as well as the tetraphenylborate salt, were found to be effective electrocatalysts for CO{sub 2} reduction. Tetrabutylammonium bicarbonate, tetrabutylammonium formate and tetrabutylammonium oxalate were prepared and characterized for comparison with the products of the catalytic CO{sub 2} reduction. Comparison of the infrared bands in the spectroelectrochemical experiments with the authentic oxoanions allowed the identification of the products bicarbonate and formate. The mechanism of formate production is believed to involve a two electron transfer process that involves the interaction of CO{sub 2} and the iridium complex. The formation of bicarbonate probably results from the reduction of trace amounts of water to hydroxide followed by reaction with CO{sub 2}. Our results suggest that infrared spectroelectrochemistry is a better method than gas chromatography to study the electrocatalytic reduction of CO{sub 2} because mechanistic information may readily be obtained.
OSTI ID:
214923
Report Number(s):
CONF-950801--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English