Hydrogenation of CO2 to Formate using a Simple, Recyclable, and Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst

Today, one of the most imperative targets to realize the conversions of CO 2 in industry is the development of practically viable catalytic systems that demonstrate excellent activity, selectivity, and durability. Herein, a simple heterogeneous Ru(III) catalyst is prepared by immobilizing commercially available RuCl 3 · x H 2 O onto a bipyridine-functionalized covalent triazine framework, [bpy-CTF-RuCl 3 ], for the first time. This novel catalyst efficiently hydrogenates CO 2 into formate with an unprecedented turnover frequency (38800 h –1 ) and selectivity. In addition, the catalyst excellently maintains its efficiency over successive runs and produces a maximum final formate concentration of ∼2.1 M in just 2.5 h with a conversion of 12% in regard to CO 2 feed. The apparent advantages of air stability, ease of handling, simplicity, the use of a readily available metal precursor, and the outstanding catalytic performance make [bpy-CTF-RuCl 3 ] one of the possible candidates for realizing the large-scale production of formic acid/formate by CO 2 hydrogenation.