The potential of a graphene-supported porous-organic polymer (POP) for CO2 electrocatalytic reduction

Abstract

A one-pot, bottom-up assembly of a pyrimidine-containing porous-organic polymer (PyPOP) was conducted to homogenously deposit the PyPOP atop unmodified graphene sheets, affording a composite material PyPOP@G. The PyPOP demonstrated an appreciable affinity toward CO₂ capture but was found to be largely insulating, hindering its usage in potential electrochemical conversion of CO₂. However, its composite with graphene was found to be microporous, with maintained affinity toward CO₂ and furthermore demonstrated significant electrochemical activity toward CO₂ reduction (5 mA cm⁻² at −1.6 V), not observed in either of its two components separately.