Photocathode functionalized with a molecular cobalt catalyst for selective carbon dioxide reduction in water

Artificial photosynthesis is a vibrant field of research aiming at converting abundant, low energy molecules such as water, nitrogen or carbon dioxide into fuels or useful chemicals by means of solar energy input. Photo-electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide is an appealing strategy, aiming at reducing the greenhouse gas into valuable products such as carbon monoxide at low or without bias voltage. Yet, in such configuration, there is no catalytic system able to produce carbon monoxide selectively in aqueous media with high activity, and using earth-abundant molecular catalyst. Upon associating a p-type Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 semi-conductor with cobalt quaterpyridine complex, we herein report a photocathode complying with the aforementioned requirements. Pure carbon dioxide dissolved in aqueous solution (pH 6.8) is converted to carbon monoxide under visible light illumination with partial current density above 3mAcm(-2) and 97% selectivity, showing good stability over time. Photo-electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide is a promising strategy to derive valuable products. Here, the authors show a photocathode able to produce carbon monoxide selectively in aqueous media with high activity using earth-abundant molecular catalyst.