CO2-activation and enhanced capture by C6Li6: A density functional approach

In this study, we propose a simple and yet effective approach for capture and storage of CO₂ by C₆Li₆. C₆Li₆ possesses a planar star-like structure, whose ionization energy is lower than that of Li atom and hence, it behaves as a superalkali. We have systematically studied the interaction of successive CO₂ molecules with C₆Li₆ using long-range dispersion corrected density functional ωB97xD/6-311 + G(d) calculations. We notice that these interactions lead to stable C₆Li₆-nCO₂ complexes (n = 1-6) in which the structure of CO₂ moieties is bent appreciably (122-125°) due to electron transfer from C₆Li₆, whose planarity is distorted only slightly (≤7°). This clearly suggests that the CO₂ molecules can successfully be activated and captured by C₆Li₆. It has been also noticed that the bond-length of CO₂ in C₆Li₆-nCO₂ complexes increases monotonically whereas adsorption energy decreases, ranging 3.18-2.79 eV per CO₂ with the increase in n. These findings establish the potential of C₆Li₆ for capture and storage of CO₂ molecules.