Directing the Reactivity of [HFe₄N(CO)₁₂]⁻ toward H⁺ or CO₂ Reduction by Understanding the Electrocatalytic Mechanism

Abstract

Selective reactivity of an electrocatalytically generated catalyst-hydride intermediate toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) or reduction of CO(2) is key for a CO(2) reduction electrocatalyst. Under appropriate conditions, Et(4)N[Fe(4)N(CO)(12)] (Et(4)N-1) is a catalyst for the HER or for CO(2) conversion at -1.25 V vs SCE using a glassy carbon electrode.