Effect of solvents on photocatalytic reduction of CO2 mediated by cobalt complex

C Conversion of CO2 into value-added chemicals by solar energy is one of the most promising pathways to partially address both energy crisis and global warming effect. The properties of reaction medium play a key role in determining the efficiency of CO2 photoreduction and modulating the distribution of reaction products. Herein, we report the detailed investigation of solvent effects on the performance of photocatalytic CO2 reduction by means of photo-/electro-chemical and spectroscopy techniques. The relationship between photochemical CO2 performance and solvent properties (e.g., viscosity, solubility, and electrochemical behaviors) are systematically explored. The active intermediates for CO2 photoreduction catalysis are examined by UV-vis absorption spectra. Moreover, a possible reaction pathway involving photoexcited charge transfers and intermediate species transformations in various solvents is proposed. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.