CO2 Electrolysis System under Industrially Relevant Conditions

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00614
• Publication Date: 2022-01-19T22:31:20Z
• Authors: Yingying Cheng; Pengfei Hou; Xiuping Wang; Peng Kang
• Keywords: Carbon fibers; Electrolysis of water; Selective catalytic reduction

ConspectusCarbon dioxide emissions from consumption of fossil fuels have caused serious climate issues. Rapid deployment new energies makes renewable energy driven CO2 electroreduction to chemical feedstocks and carbon-neutral a feasible cost-effective pathway for achieving net-zero emission. With the urgency goal, we initiated our research on electrolysis with emphasis industrial relevance.The molecules are thermodynamically stable due high activation two C═O bonds, efficient electrocatalysts required overcome sluggish dynamics competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. The that explored include molecular catalysts nanostructured catalysts. Molecular centered earth abundant elements such as Fe Co catalyzing reduction, using catalysts, proposed an amidation strategy reduction methanol, bypassing inactive formate pathway. For developed carbon enrichment nitrogen-rich nanomaterials selective reduction.Direct flue gas stream represents "holy grail" in field, because typical concentration is only 6-15%, posing significant challenge electrolysis. On other hand, direct eliminates capture process simplifies overall utilization (CCU) scheme. However, frustrated by reactive oxygen (5-8%), low (6-15%), potentially toxic impurities. Surface O2 tolerance could be viable decarbonization gas.In addition electrocatalysts, incorporation into electrolyzer development suitable was also investigated meet demands. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) zero-gap configuration cathode anode coated either side ion exchange membrane. We adopted MEA structural simplicity, ohmic resistance, efficiency. factors (for example, type, catalyst layer porosity, fabrication method) flow channels, diffusion layer) critical highly operation. separately anion-exchange membrane-based system CO production cation-exchange production. optimized can generate uniform current voltage distribution large-area operate stream. targets long-term continuous operation no electrolyte consumption.