(650c) Enhanced Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Using DNA-Based Nanomaterials

Carbon dioxide can be converted to high value chemical products. Small molecules have been demonstrated to catalyze electrochemical CO₂ reduction (ECR) process. To apply them in a controlled manner, these catalysts are required to be proximal to an electrode surface for the reaction to proceed. We developed a general method to readily place molecular catalysts on electrodes using DNA hybridization-based immobilization. DNA-catalyst complexes were synthesized through an optimized conjugation method and immobilized on screen-printed carbon electrodes using DNA hybridization. This tethering strategy improved both the stability of the catalysts and their Faradaic Efficiency (FE). DNA-catalyst conjugates were immobilized on screen-printed carbon electrodes and carbon paper electrodes via DNA hybridization with nearly 100% efficiency. Following immobilization, higher catalyst stability at relevant potentials is observed. Additionally, lower overpotentials are required for CO generation. This method demonstrates the potential of DNA “Velcro” as a powerful strategy for catalyst immobilization.