Noncovalent immobilization of a nickel cyclam catalyst on carbon electrodes for CO2 reduction using aqueous electrolyte

Abstract

A pyrene modified nickel cyclam catalyst ([Ni(CycPy)]2+ = Ni(1-(4-(pyren-1-yl)butyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) has been synthesised and electrochemically characterised under both CO2 and N2. The pyrene functional group forms a non-covalent interaction with carbon electrode supports and the immobilised [Ni(CycPy)]2+ complex remains electroactive. We report a [Ni(CycPy)]2+ modified gas diffusion electrode (GDE) that is tested in aqueous electrolyte and shown to be active towards CO production. This is the first successful demonstration of a nickel cyclam modified GDE in aqueous solvent and shows the potential of this class of catalysts for use in co-electrolysis devices.