Effective hydrogenation of CO2 to formate catalyzed by ionic liquid modified acetate-Cu

Abstract

Hydrogenation of CO₂ is challenging, especially when non-precious metals are used as catalysts. Herein, we report an effective hydrogenation of CO₂ to formate catalyzed by imidazole ionic liquid modified acetate-Cu. The catalytic ability of acetate-Cu was greatly enhanced by ionic liquid modification. The highest turnover number could reach 2005, which is 12.2 times higher than that of unmodified acetate-Cu. Besides, the ionic liquid modified acetate-Cu is easy to be recycled.