Earth-abundant photocatalytic systems for the visible-light-driven reduction of CO2 to CO

Herein, we report a highly selective photocatalytic system, based on an in situ copper photosensitizer and an iron catalyst, for the reduction of CO2 to CO. Turnover numbers (TON) up to 487 (5 h) with selectivities up to 99% and Phi(CO) = 13.3% were observed. Stern-Volmer analysis allowed us to establish a reductive quenching mechanism between the Cu PS and electron donor.