Recent Developments in Metalloporphyrin Electrocatalysts for Reduction of Small Molecules: Strategies for Managing Electron and Proton Transfer Reactions

Porphyrins are archetypal ligands in inorganic chemistry. The last 10 years have seen important new advances in the use of metalloporphyrins as catalysts in the activation and reduction of small molecules, in particular O-2 and CO2. Recent developments of new molecular designs, scaling relationships, and theoretical modeling of mechanisms have rapidly advanced the utility of porphyrins as electrocatalysts. This Minireview focuses on the summary and evaluation of recent developments of metalloporphyrin O-2 and CO2 reduction electrocatalysts, with an emphasis on contrasting homogeneous and heterogeneous electrocatalysis. Comparisons for proposed reaction mechanisms are provided for both CO2 and O-2 reduction, and ideas are proposed about how lessons from the last decade of research can lead to the development of practical, applied porphyrin-derived catalysts.

Automated summary

In the past decade, significant advances have been made in the use of metalloporphyrins as catalysts for the activation and reduction of small molecules, particularly O-2 and CO2. The development of new molecular designs, scaling relationships, and theoretical modeling has rapidly advanced the utility of porphyrins as electrocatalysts. Emphasis is placed on contrasting homogeneous and heterogeneous electrocatalysis and proposing ideas for the development of practical catalysts based on lessons learned from the last decade of research.