In this talk, I will present our recent group efforts towards the synthesis via colloidal chemistry of atomically defined nanocrystals (NCs) and their use as electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction. First of all, I will focus on our studies of NC nucleation and growth. A fundamental understanding of the formation mechanisms is indeed crucial to rationally approach the design of new and more complex catalytic materials. I will then illustrate how NCs with precisely tunable shapes, sizes and interfaces between different domains can help to identify selectivity rules at the branching nodes which lead to C1 and C2+ reduction products. Finally, I will discuss the role of NCs as model systems to study degradation pathways using ex-situ and in-situ transmission electron microscopy. These insights are essential when moving towards an actual technological implementation. I will conclude by sharing our latest results which illustrate that the above discussed catalysts are not only model systems but can be implemented in a gas-fed electrolyzer and sustain the same selectivity at technologically relevant conditions with currents up to 300 mA/cm2.

Colloidal chemistry for tunable and controlled CO2 reduction electrocatalysts

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.