CO2 dissociation on Ni(2 1 1)

The direct and H-mediated dissociation of CO2 on Ni(2 1 1) were investigated at the level of density functional theory. Although formate (HCOO) formation via CO2 hydrogenation was widely reported for CO2 adsorption on metal surfaces, it is found that on Ni(2 1 1) HCOO dissociation into CHO and O is much difficult, while direct dissociation of adsorbed CO2 into CO and O is more favorable. It is also found that the degree of electron transfer from surface to adsorbed CO2 correlates with the elongation of C–O bond lengths and the reduction of the CO2 dissociation barrier.