Abstract
In the present study, the photoelectrocatalytic performance of a homogenous manganese(III) teraphenyl porphyrin (Mn(TPP)Cl) complex for carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO) reduction has been evaluated. The electrocatalysis experiment was carried out at a Group IV (boron-doped p-type H-terminated silicon) semiconducting electrode in 0.1 M [NBu4][BF4]–MeCN) electrolyte. The study was carried out at different concentration of the catalyst (0.05, 0.5 and 1 mM) and Brönsted acid (CF3CH2OH, 4-32 mM) under dark and illuminated (with polychromatic light) conditions. Results of the study indicated that the CO2 reduction takes place at a much lower potential with appreciable current efficiency (48.2%) under illuminated conditions as compared to the dark condition. Besides, as compared to the previously studied carbon electrode system, the results are much better. Other than CO, molecular hydrogen generated as the second main product with current efficiency 42%.