Work

Prism-Shaped Cu Nanocatalysts for Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction to Ethylene

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Electrochemical CO 2 reduction has attracted much attention, because of its advantageous ability to convert CO 2 gas to useful chemicals and fuels. Herein, we have developed prism-shaped Cu catalysts for efficient and stable CO 2 electroreduction by using an electrodeposition method. These Cu prism electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrochemical CO 2 reduction measurements show improved activities for C 2 H 4 production with a high partial current density of −11.8 mA/cm 2, which is over four times higher than that of the planar Cu sample (−2.8 mA/cm 2 ). We have demonstrated that the enhanced C 2 H 4 production is partially attributed to the higher density of defect sites available on the roughened Cu prism surface. Furthermore, stability tests show a drastic improvement in maintaining C 2 H 4 production over 12 h. The enhanced performance and durability of prism Cu catalysts hold promise for future industrial applications.

Source: ACS Catalysis

DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.7b02959

Authors: Hyo Sang Jeon, Sebastian Kunze, Fabian Scholten, Beatriz Roldan Cuenya

Institutions: Ruhr University Bochum, University of Central Florida, Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society

Language: English

Topic: CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: green