Direct synthesis of bismuth nanosheets on a gas diffusion layer as a high-performance cathode for a coupled electrochemical system capable of electroreduction of CO2 to formate with simultaneous degradation of organic pollutants. (1st October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Qinian; Zhu, Chaoqun; Wu, Chao; Yu, Hongbing
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 319(2019)
• Page Start: 138
• Page End: 147
• Publication Date: 2019-10-01
• Subjects: Carbon dioxide -- Electroreduction -- Bismuth nanosheets -- Binder-free gas diffusion electrode -- Formate; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2019.06.167
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Abstract: A coupled electrochemical system (CES) for the electroreduction of CO2 to formate (ERCF) and simultaneous degradation of organic pollutants is a promising approach for CO2 conversion. Cathode material is a critical component of CES. However, the poor performance and complexity of synthesis limit its real application. Here, we report a Bi-based binder-free gas diffusion electrode (EBGDE) as a high-performance cathode for CES. The EBGDE was fabricated via direct electrodeposition of Bi nanosheets on a gas diffusion layer. By optimizing the deposition time of Bi nanosheets, a good Faraday efficiency (91.46 ± 6.58%) and formate production rate (1849.96 ± 127.69 μmol m −2 s −1 ) were obtained. Simultaneously, the methyl orange decolorization efficiency and chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency reached 100% and 55.25 ± 6.87%, respectively. This performance towards ERCF is better than recently reported ERCF electrodes. It probably results from the excellent performance of associated Bi-nanosheets catalysts, a high electroactive surface area, as well as fast electron transfer in the EBGDE. This work offers design rules to fabricate high-performance cathode materials for CES in industrial applications. Graphical abstract: Image 1