Design of ligands for CO2 catalysis

Reducing the atmospheric CO2 concentration is of utmost importance to in mitigating global climate change. The conversion of CO2 to industrially relevant products will serve to sequester CO2 and make the process economically viable. The electrochemical conversion of CO2 to CO using homogeneous catalyst with Group VII metals is examined herein. The effects of strong field ligands is examined for their ability to increase light stability. The catalytic pathway of a novel N-heterocyclic carbene containing catalyst is examined in depth to improve chemical understanding of the system. The substitution of electronegative moieties is examined, leading to a lowered overpotential and increased turnover frequency.