Molecular Catalysts for the Reductive Homocoupling of CO2 towards C2+ Compounds

The conversion of CO2 into multicarbon (C2+) compounds by reductive homocoupling offers the possibility to transform renewable energy into chemical energy carriers and thereby create carbon-neutral fuels or other valuable products. Most available studies have employed heterogeneous metallic catalysts, but the use of molecular catalysts is still underexplored. However, several studies have already demonstrated the great potential of the molecular approach, namely, the possibility to gain a deep mechanistic understanding and a more precise control of the product selectivity. This Minireview summarizes recent progress in both the thermo- and electrochemical reductive homocoupling of CO2 toward C2+ products mediated by molecular catalysts. In addition, reductive CO homocoupling is discussed as a model for the further conversion of intermediates obtained from CO2 reduction, which may serve as a source of inspiration for developing novel molecular catalysts in the future.

Automated summary

The conversion of CO2 into multicarbon compounds offers the possibility to create carbon-neutral fuels or other valuable products. So far, most studies have focused on heterogeneous metallic catalysts, but the potential of molecular catalysts is still underexplored. This Minireview summarizes recent progress in the thermo- and electrochemical reductive homocoupling of CO2 mediated by molecular catalysts and discusses the use of CO homocoupling as a model for further conversion of intermediates obtained from CO2 reduction.