Electrocatalytic Behavior of Metal Porphyrins in the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide

Abstract The catalytic activity of metal porphyrins for the electroreduction of carbon dioxide was investigated by the measurements of current-potential curves on the Hg(Pt) electrode in aqueous electrolytic solutions. Metal-free, cobalt, iron and copper porphyrins(mesotetracarboxyphenylporphyrins, tetraphenylporphinesulfonate) were examined. Cobalt complexes were active but other metal porphyrins showed no activity. The reduction product was confirmed to be formic acid by the resorcinol test.