Selective Electroreduction of CO2 toward Ethylene on Nano Dendritic Copper Catalysts at High Current Density. Issue 12 (6th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reller, Christian; Krause, Ralf; Volkova, Elena; Schmid, Bernhard; Neubauer, Sebastian; Rucki, Andreas; Schuster, Manfred; Schmid, Günter
• Is Part Of: Advanced energy materials. Volume 7:Issue 12(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-01-06
• Subjects: copper deposition -- dendrimers -- electrocatalysis -- electroreduction of CO2 -- gas diffusion electrodes; Energy harvesting -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Materials -- Periodicals; Photovoltaics -- Periodicals; Fuel cells -- Periodicals; Thermoelectric materials -- Periodicals; 621.31
• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201602114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1614-6832

Abstract

Abstract : In situ deposited copper nanodendrites are herein proven to be a highly selective electrocatalyst which is capable of reducing CO2 to ethylene by reaching a Faradaic efficiency of 57% at a current density of 170 mA cm −2 . It is found that the desired structures are formed in situ under acidic pH conditions at high electrode potentials more negative than −2 V versus Ag/AgCl. Detailed investigations on the preparation, characterization, and advancement of electrode materials and of the electrolyte have been performed. Catalyst degradation effects are intensively followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) characterization methods and found to be a major root course for selectivity losses. Abstract : The electro chemical reduction of CO2 toward value added products, namely ethylene, is herein demonstrated at high Faradaic efficiency of 57% at industrial relevant current densities of J = 170 mA cm −2 . In situ deposited copper nanodendrites form a highly conductive network with large surface area. A significant decrease of ethylene selectivity is correlated with morphological changes of the active material. The gained results provide fundamental aspects for further catalyst research.