Kinetic and mechanistic analysis of a synthetic reversible CO2/HCO2- electrocatalyst.

[Pt(depe)2](PF6)2 electrocatalyzes the reversible conversion between CO2 and HCO2- with high selectivity and low overpotential but low rates. A comprehensive kinetic analysis indicates the rate determining step for CO2 reduction is the reactivity of a Pt hydride intermediate to produce HCO2-. To accelerate catalysis, the use of cationic and hydrogen-bond donor additives are explored.