Reversible Electrochemical Trapping of Carbon Dioxide Using 4,4′-Bipyridine That Does Not Require Thermal Activation

Sequestering carbon dioxide emissions by the trap and release of CO₂ via thermally activated chemical reactions has proven problematic because of the energetic requirements of the release reactions. Here we demonstrate trap and release of carbon dioxide using electrochemical activation, where the reactions in both directions are exergonic and proceed rapidly with low activation barriers. One-electron reduction of 4,4′-bipyridine forms the radical anion, which undergoes rapid covalent bond formation with carbon dioxide to form an adduct. One-electron oxidation of this adduct releases the bipyridine and carbon dioxide. Reversible trap and release of carbon dioxide over multiple cycles is demonstrated in solution at room temperature, and without the requirement for thermal activation.