Transferring photocatalytic CO2 reduction mediated by Cu(N^N)(P^P)+ complexes from organic solvents into ionic liquid media

Photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction utilizing metal complexes based on the earth-abundant transition metals iron and copper was transferred from organic solvents into ionic liquids with high selectivity and moderate turn-over numbers. Different classes of ionic liquids were evaluated to determinate the CO/H2 selectivity of the process. High-purity conditions were utilized to validate that CO was a result of CO2 reduction and not resulting from other carbon sources. In addition, a novel copper-based photosensitizer was synthesized and its photo- and electrochemical properties were investigated.