Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction with Homogeneous Transition Metals: Early Metals

Homogeneous electrocatalysts for CO₂ reduction have been explored by many groups. However, the focus has been on systems based on groups 7 or later in the periodic table. Recently, a few examples of catalytic CO₂ reduction have been observed at group 6 metals (Cr, Mo, and W) or earlier groups. Group 6 is notable as it is present in biological oxoreductase enzymes such as Formate Dehydroganse, which can convert between CO₂ and formate. The electrochemical response of the homoleptic group 6 carbonyls was explored at a glassy carbon electrode.  In addition, other “early” metal systems were examined. The complexes were examined under aprotic conditions as well as in the presence of proton donors under argon and carbon dioxide. The results of the work with undergraduate researchers will be discussed. The integration of research and teaching chemistry concepts to undergraduates using electrochemistry will also be discussed.