High-Performance Ethylene Production via Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Using Cu Diatomic Catalysts

As atmospheric CO2 levels rapidly increase due to industrialization, electrocatalytic reduction technology using renewable energy to convert CO2 (CO2RR) into valuable multi-carbon products such as ethylene, ethanol, and propanol is in the spotlight. Copper is the only metal that can form these C2+ products due to its unique properties. Despite many studies, morphological and chemical changes during the reaction reduce the efficiency of copper, affecting product selectivity and stability. To overcome these challenges, in this study, we attempted to develop stable and efficient Cu diatomic and cluster catalysts by modifying their electronic structure by adding other metals (e.g., P, S) to improve ethylene selectivity by controlling the binding energy of the intermediate. Explore. This study seeks to make CO2RR processes more economical and scalable, aiming to use less metals and increase stability, and to provide new insights into the catalytic mechanisms potentially involved.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Sinton

Student:

Partner:

Seoul National University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: