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Mi Z, Wang T, Xiao L, Wang G, Zhuang L. Catalytic Peculiarity of Alkali Metal Cation-Free Electrode/Polyelectrolyte Interfaces Toward CO 2 Reduction. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:17377-17383. [PMID: 38871485 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c04591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
A prominent feature of modern electrochemical technologies, such as fuel cells and electrolysis, is the employing of polyelectrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes. Unlike the well-studied electrode/liquid electrolyte interfaces, however, the catalytic characteristics of electrode/polyelectrolyte interfaces remain largely unexplored, mostly due to the lack of reliable probing methods. Herein, we report a universally applicable approach to investigating electrocatalytic reactions at electrode/polyelectrolyte interfaces under normal electrochemical conditions. By coating a thin layer of anion-exchange membrane (AEM) onto the electrode surface, solutions with bulky organic cations were well separated, thus a pure electrode/polyelectrolyte interface can be established in a regular electrochemical setup and studied using in situ spectroscopies, e.g., attenuated total reflectance surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS). We found that the blank Au surface was inert toward the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) in the absence of alkali metal cations, whereas coating with an AEM can dramatically turn on the catalytic activity. ATR-SEIRAS revealed that the hydrogen bond network of water at the Au/AEM interface was enhanced in comparison to that on the blank Au surface, which facilitated the hydrogenation process of the CO2RR. These findings further our fundamental understanding of the catalytic behavior of electrode/polyelectrolyte interfaces and benefit the development of relevant electrochemical technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhensheng Mi
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Key Lab of Electrochemical Power Sources, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Tuo Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Key Lab of Electrochemical Power Sources, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Li Xiao
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Key Lab of Electrochemical Power Sources, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Gongwei Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Key Lab of Electrochemical Power Sources, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Lin Zhuang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Key Lab of Electrochemical Power Sources, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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2
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Chu N, Jiang Y, Zeng RJ, Li D, Liang P. Solid Electrolytes for Low-Temperature Carbon Dioxide Valorization: A Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10881-10896. [PMID: 38861036 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
One of the most promising approaches to address the global challenge of climate change is electrochemical carbon capture and utilization. Solid electrolytes can play a crucial role in establishing a chemical-free pathway for the electrochemical capture of CO2. Furthermore, they can be applied in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR) to increase carbon utilization, produce high-purity liquid chemicals, and advance hybrid electro-biosystems. This review article begins by covering the fundamentals and processes of electrochemical CO2 capture, emphasizing the advantages of utilizing solid electrolytes. Additionally, it highlights recent advancements in the use of the solid polymer electrolyte or solid electrolyte layer for the CO2RR with multiple functions. The review also explores avenues for future research to fully harness the potential of solid electrolytes, including the integration of CO2 capture and the CO2RR and performance assessment under realistic conditions. Finally, this review discusses future opportunities and challenges, aiming to contribute to the establishment of a green and sustainable society through electrochemical CO2 valorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, PR China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, PR China
| | - Raymond Jianxiong Zeng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, PR China
| | - Daping Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Peng Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
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3
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Hsu YS, Rathnayake ST, Waegele MM. Cation effects in hydrogen evolution and CO2-to-CO conversion: A critical perspective. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:160901. [PMID: 38651806 DOI: 10.1063/5.0201751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The rates of many electrocatalytic reactions can be strongly affected by the structure and dynamics of the electrochemical double layer, which in turn can be tuned by the concentration and identity of the supporting electrolyte's cation. The effect of cations on an electrocatalytic process depends on a complex interplay between electrolyte components, electrode material and surface structure, applied electrode potential, and reaction intermediates. Although cation effects remain insufficiently understood, the principal mechanisms underlying cation-dependent reactivity and selectivity are beginning to emerge. In this Perspective, we summarize and critically examine recent advances in this area in the context of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and CO2-to-CO conversion, which are among the most intensively studied and promising electrocatalytic reactions for the sustainable production of commodity chemicals and fuels. Improving the kinetics of the HER in base and enabling energetically efficient and selective CO2 reduction at low pH are key challenges in electrocatalysis. The physical insights from the recent literature illustrate how cation effects can be utilized to help achieve these goals and to steer other electrocatalytic processes of technological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shen Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA
| | - Sachinthya T Rathnayake
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA
| | - Matthias M Waegele
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA
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Seong H, Chang K, Sun F, Lee S, Han SM, Kim Y, Choi CH, Tang Q, Lee D. ClAg 14 (C≡C t Bu) 12 Nanoclusters as Efficient and Selective Electrocatalysts Toward Industrially Relevant CO 2 Conversion. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306089. [PMID: 38145332 PMCID: PMC10933691 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) have emerged as a promising frontier in the field of electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions (CO2 RR) because of their distinctive catalytic properties. Although numerous metal NCs are developed for CO2 RR, their use in practical applications has suffered from their low-yield synthesis and insufficient catalytic activity. In this study, the large-scale synthesis and electrocatalytic performance of ClAg14 (C≡Ct Bu)12 + NCs, which exhibit remarkable efficiency in catalyzing CO2 -to-CO electroreduction with a CO selectivity of over 99% are reported. The underlying mechanisms behind this extraordinary CO2 RR activity of ClAg14 (C≡Ct Bu)12 + NCs are investigated by a combination of electrokinetic and theoretical studies. These analyses reveal that different active sites, generated through electrochemical activation, have unique adsorption properties for the reaction intermediates, leading to enhanced CO2 RR and suppressed hydrogen production. Furthermore, industrially relevant CO2 -to-CO electroreduction using ClAg14 (C≡Ct Bu)12 + NCs in a zero-gap CO2 electrolyzer, achieving high energy efficiency of 51% and catalyst activity of over 1400 A g-1 at a current density of 400 mA cm-2 is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoeun Seong
- Department of ChemistryYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
| | - Kiyoung Chang
- Department of ChemistryYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
| | - Fang Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringChongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational ChemistryChongqing UniversityChongqing401331China
| | - Sojung Lee
- Department of ChemistryYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Myeong Han
- Department of ChemistryYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Kim
- Department of ChemistryPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)Pohang37673Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hyuck Choi
- Department of ChemistryPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)Pohang37673Republic of Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology (I–CREATE)Yonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
| | - Qing Tang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringChongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational ChemistryChongqing UniversityChongqing401331China
| | - Dongil Lee
- Department of ChemistryYonsei UniversitySeoul03722Republic of Korea
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Banerji LC, Jang H, Gardner AM, Cowan AJ. Studying the cation dependence of CO 2 reduction intermediates at Cu by in situ VSFG spectroscopy. Chem Sci 2024; 15:2889-2897. [PMID: 38404396 PMCID: PMC10882457 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05295h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The nature of the electrolyte cation is known to have a significant impact on electrochemical reduction of CO2 at catalyst|electrolyte interfaces. An understanding of the underlying mechanism responsible for catalytic enhancement as the alkali metal cation group is descended is key to guide catalyst development. Here, we use in situ vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy to monitor changes in the binding modes of the CO intermediate at the electrochemical interface of a polycrystalline Cu electrode during CO2 reduction as the electrolyte cation is varied. A CObridge mode is observed only when using Cs+, a cation that is known to facilitate CO2 reduction on Cu, supporting the proposed involvement of CObridge sites in CO coupling mechanisms during CO2 reduction. Ex situ measurements show that the cation dependent CObridge modes correlate with morphological changes of the Cu surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam C Banerji
- Department of Chemistry, Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
| | - Hansaem Jang
- Department of Chemistry, Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
| | - Adrian M Gardner
- Department of Chemistry, Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
- Early Career Laser Laboratory, University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
| | - Alexander J Cowan
- Department of Chemistry, Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
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Raya-Imbernón A, Samu AA, Barwe S, Cusati G, Fődi T, Hepp BM, Janáky C. Renewable Syngas Generation via Low-Temperature Electrolysis: Opportunities and Challenges. ACS ENERGY LETTERS 2024; 9:288-297. [PMID: 38239720 PMCID: PMC10795495 DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.3c02446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The production of syngas (i.e., a mixture of CO and H2) via the electrochemical reduction of CO2 and water can contribute to the green transition of various industrial sectors. Here we provide a joint academic-industrial perspective on the key technical and economical differences of the concurrent (i.e., CO and H2 are generated in the same electrolyzer cell) and separated (i.e., CO and H2 are electrogenerated in different electrolyzers) production of syngas. Using a combination of literature analysis, experimental data, and techno-economic analysis, we demonstrate that the production of synthesis gas is notably less expensive if we operate a CO2 electrolyzer in a CO-selective mode and combine it with a separate PEM electrolyzer for H2 generation. We also conclude that by the further decrease of the cost of renewable electricity and the increase of CO2 emission taxes, such prepared renewable syngas will become cost competitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Raya-Imbernón
- Air
Liquide Forschung & Entwicklung GmbH, Innovation Campus Frankfurt, Gwinnerstraße 27−33, 60388 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Angelika A. Samu
- eChemicles
Zrt, Alsó Kikötő
sor 11, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
- Department
of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Szeged, Rerrich Square 1, Szeged H-6720, Hungary
| | - Stefan Barwe
- Air
Liquide Forschung & Entwicklung GmbH, Innovation Campus Frankfurt, Gwinnerstraße 27−33, 60388 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Cusati
- Air
Liquide Forschung & Entwicklung GmbH, Innovation Campus Frankfurt, Gwinnerstraße 27−33, 60388 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tamás Fődi
- eChemicles
Zrt, Alsó Kikötő
sor 11, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Balázs M. Hepp
- eChemicles
Zrt, Alsó Kikötő
sor 11, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Csaba Janáky
- eChemicles
Zrt, Alsó Kikötő
sor 11, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
- Department
of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Szeged, Rerrich Square 1, Szeged H-6720, Hungary
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Jia X, Qi K, Yang J, Fan Z, Hua Z, Wan X, Zhao Y, Mao Y, Yang D. Cd/Cd(OH) 2 Nanosheets Enhancing the Electrocatalytic Activity of CO 2 Reduction to CO. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202302613. [PMID: 37837322 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202302613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Electric-driven conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) to carbon monoxide (CO) under mild reaction conditions offers a promising approach to mitigate the greenhouse effect and the energy crisis. Surface engineering is believed to be one of the prospective methods for enhancing the electrocatalytic activity of CO2 reduction. Herein, hydroxyl (OH) groups were successfully introduced to cadmium nanosheets to form cadmium and cadmium hydroxide nanocomposites (i. e. Cd/Cd(OH)2 nanosheets) via a facile two-step method. The as-prepared Cd/Cd(OH)2 /CP (CP indicates carbon paper) electrode displays excellent electrocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction to produce CO. The Faradaic efficiency of CO reaches 98.3 % and the current density achieves 23.8 mA cm-2 at -2.0 V vs. Ag/Ag+ in a CO2 -saturated 30 wt% 1-butyl-3-methylimidazole hexafluorophosphate ([Bmim]PF6 )-65 wt% acetonitrile (CH3 CN)-5 wt% water (H2 O) electrolyte. And the CO partial current density can reach up to 71.6 mA cm-2 with the CO Faradaic efficiency of more than 85 % at -2.3 V vs. Ag/Ag+ , which stands out against Cd/CP, Cd(OH)2 /CP, and Cd/CdO/CP electrodes. The excellent electrocatalytic performance of the Cd/Cd(OH)2 /CP electrode can be attributed to its unique structural properties, suitable OH groups, perfect interaction with electrolyte, abundant active sites and fast electron transfer rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Jia
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Kongsheng Qi
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Zixi Fan
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou, Henan, 450053, China
| | - Zhixin Hua
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wan
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Yuhua Zhao
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Yidan Mao
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou, Henan, 450053, China
| | - Dexin Yang
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
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