Electrocatalysis of CO2 Reduction in Brush Polymer Ion Gels

Brendon J. McNicholas, James D. Blakemore, Alice B. Chang, Christopher M. Bates, Wesley W. Kramer, Robert H. Grubbs, Harry B. Gray

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

The electrochemical characterization of brush polymer ion gels containing embedded small-molecule redox-active species is reported. Gels comprising PS-PEO-PS triblock brush polymer, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BMIm-TFSI), and some combination of ferrocene (Fc), cobaltocenium (CoCp2+), and Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl (1) exhibit diffusion-controlled redox processes with diffusion coefficients approximately one-fifth of those observed in neat BMIm-TFSI. Notably, 1 dissolves homogeneously in the interpenetrating matrix domain of the ion gel and displays electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO in the gel. The catalytic wave exhibits a positive shift versus Fc+/0 compared with analogous nonaqueous solvents with a reduction potential 450 mV positive of onset and 90% Faradaic efficiency for CO production. These materials provide a promising and alternative approach to immobilized electrocatalysis, creating numerous opportunities for application in solid-state devices.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)11160-11163
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume138
Issue number35
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 7 2016
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 American Chemical Society.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Electrocatalysis of CO2 Reduction in Brush Polymer Ion Gels'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this