Superstructured metallocorroles for electrochemical CO₂ reduction

Area of Science:

• Coordination Chemistry
• Organometallic Chemistry
• Electrocatalysis

Background:

• Corroles are macrocyclic ligands known for their versatile coordination chemistry.
• Proton-transfer-relay moieties can enhance catalytic activity by facilitating proton movement.
• Metal complexes are crucial in various catalytic processes, including carbon dioxide reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel cobalt and iron corrole complexes.
• To investigate the potential of these complexes as electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction.
• To explore the role of tyrosine-like proton-transfer-relay groups in catalytic efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of cobalt and iron corrole complexes featuring specific proton-transfer-relay functionalities.
• Full characterization of the synthesized complexes using spectroscopic and analytical techniques.
• Electrochemical evaluation of the (nitrosyl)iron complex as an electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction.

Main Results:

• Successful preparation and comprehensive characterization of cobalt and iron corrole complexes.
• The (nitrosyl)iron corrole complex demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of CO2 to CO.
• The presence of proximity-based proton-transfer-relay moieties likely contributed to the observed catalytic performance.

Conclusions:

• Novel cobalt and iron corrole complexes with integrated proton-transfer-relay systems have been successfully synthesized.
• The (nitrosyl)iron complex is a highly effective electrocatalyst for the conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide.
• This work highlights the potential of tailored corrole complexes in sustainable energy applications, particularly in CO2 utilization.