Versatile functionalization of carbon electrodes with a polypyridine ligand: metallation and electrocatalytic H(+) and CO2 reduction.

A strategy is proposed for immobilization of homogeneous catalysts whereby a glassy carbon electrode is functionalized by electro-grafting of a ligand, terpyridine. The modified electrode can easily be metallated with cobalt and shows activity towards catalytic proton and CO2 reduction. The metal can be removed and the electrode re-metallated at will.