Low-overpotential CO₂ reduction by a phosphine-substituted Ru(<scp>ii</scp>) polypyridyl complex

Abstract

A Ru polypyridyl complex containing a phosphine donor promoted electrocatalytic CO2 reduction at a low overpotential. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the introduction of a phosphine donor at the trans position to the labile ligand is the key to reduce the overpotential for CO2 reduction.