Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds such as alcohols is favored on copper electrodes. Several experimental parameters changes product distribution. Most of the studies have been carried out on two-dimensional electrodes or with metal nanoparticles. Three-dimensional macroporous materials have been used as electrodes in several reactions where it has been demonstrated a change in electrochemical response due to their large surface area that favors mass and charge transport processes. This material consists of a sponge-like structure that facilitates transport of species from the solution to the internal pores of the electrode. The effect of this material on the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide will be evaluated in terms of electrochemical performance and product distribution. The synthesis of the macroporous structures has been previously documented and it is based on the dynamic hydrogen template. Copper cation (Cu2+) is electrochemically reduced under conditions that favors hydrogen evolution; therefore, gas bubbles defines the structure of the copper being deposited. The morphology (pore size and pore density) was analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images and the chemical composition was analyzed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The electrochemical response of the three-dimensional electrodes was compared with the two-dimensional equivalents. The distribution of the products during the carbon dioxide reduction reaction is compared in both type of electrodes using Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectroscopy (DEMS). The pore size and density in the three-dimensional macro porous structure is correlated with the identity and the quantity of formed species.

Influence of three-dimensional macro-porous copper electrodes on the electrochemical reduction of CO2

2019 Spring National Meeting

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