CO2 conversion into value-added chemicals has received tremendous attention recently. Various types of heterogeneous catalysts can be used to convert CO2 to CH4, CO, formic acid, etc. In this talk, I like to discuss our recent results for CO2 conversion using heat, light, or electricity. In order to minimize the overall energy use, we sometimes use a mix of different types of energy. First, we used heat and light for CO2 conversion to CH4 using Ru catalyst [1]. When typical CO2 hydrogenation occurs using gaseous CO2 and H2, the reaction temperature should be higher than 300 0C. But when light was irradiated together, we could reduce the reaction temperature by more than 100 0C, because CO2-Ru complex could absorb light facilitating C-O bond dissociation. For continuous CO2 hydrogenation, ~60% of energy could be saved to achieve the same conversion by using light together. Next, we developed a membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) for electrochemical CO2 reduction using various catalysts of Pd, Ag, Au, Sn, Cu, Pt [2]. CO could be produced with a productivity comparable to gas-phase CO2 hydrogenation. We further developed a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) for Sn catalyst using electrochemical deposition method [3]. The faradaic efficiency could be increased further using Sn-Cu composite catalyst. We also developed a unique photo-assisted electrochemical CO2 reduction cell, in which both light and electricity can be used together [4]. Ag nanowire-based electrode was fabricated as a GDE, and CO was produced from CO2 reduction. These efforts would provide valuable insight to develop energy-efficient CO2 reduction processes.

Energy-efficient CO2 conversion using heterogeneous catalysts

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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