Electrochemical CO 2 Valorization Pathways and Processes toward C 2 to C 6 Products: Acetylene, Propylene, Butadiene, and Benzene
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: CO2 electrolysis on Cu catalysts at near-ambient conditions yields a range of important C1 to C3 products. Despite recent advances, our mechanistic understanding of the CO2 electrolysis reaction network has remained incomplete, with C4 products, in particular long-sought after aromatic C6 product molecules, still being elusive. Here, we use a novel real-time capillary DEMS technique to determine accurate kinetic onset potentials of a wide set of C1-3 CO2 reduction products. Included in our study are rarely and never-before reported reaction products, such as propionaldehyde, propylene, and firstly acetylene. We focus on the formation of acetylene, C2H2, and also investigate its alkyne electro-reduction, the C2H2 reduction reaction (C2H2RR). Acetylene is shown to electro-reduce on Cu catalysts to the C4 compound 1,3-butadiene in a 2e- reduction reaction. In parallel, it revealed a potential-dependent electroless Cu-catalyzed ambient-condition [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction to C6 benzene. We discuss the mechanistic implications of our experimental kinetic onset potentials and rationalize the potential-dependent valorizations of acetylene on Cu. Finally, we propose a future two-step process concept to valorize captured CO2 into industrially important aromatic C6+ molecules. This process cascade will open up reaction pathways towards sustainable e-aromatics
Source: ACS Energy Letters
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Awards: G1331882588, Selective Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to High Value Chemicals, G4024264254, G434337789, G450885314, G5309349551, G6096952064, Renewable Electricity-based, cyclic and economic production of Fuel, G6713321972, Center for High Entropy Alloy Catalysis (CHEAC), G8472186200, G8746932616
OpenAlex ID: W4409908173