(730a) Ionic Liquid Initiated New CO2 Reactions for the Orginc Synthesis and Conversion

Ionic liquids typically are considered as stable media for electrochemical and chemical reactions. Currently a serial of reactions have been discovered from the ionic liquids due to its unique chemical properties and chemical environment offered, Here, we are presenting highly efficient CO₂ reduction and utilization method derived from ionic liquids performed in aerobic environments. CO₂ reduction to CO is observed at a very low over-potential, achieving >90% faradic efficiency and near 100% carbon selectivity on three conventional disk electrodes (Pt, Au and glass carbon), in the presence of O₂ at an over-potential that is approximately 1.6V lower than that required for reduction of pure CO₂. Furthermore, the facile electrochemical approach to the formation of several urea compounds from CO2 and the associated amine compounds (R-NH2) at room temperature in ionic liquid (IL) environments. These reactions were carried out at very low potentials under mild conditions without addition of catalysts or other agents, other than those available from the atmospheric environment. The new processes have potential to be transformative, in that it can lead to new pathways that can be developed to utilize atmospheric CO2 as a starting material. A process that begins with atmospheric CO2 as a reactant and results in production of urea fertilizer has very exciting possibilities, in terms of taking an unwanted substance and converting it to an essential one.