Laboratory-Based Transmission Electron Microscopy Technique to Study Electrochemical CO2 Conversion under Operating Conditions

The growing urgency to combat climate change has driven major interest in technologies that can capture and convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful fuels and chemicals. Electrochemical CO2 conversion is a focus area in carbon capture and utilization storage (CCUS) as a potential disruptive technology for a circular carbon economy, including decarbonization of chemical manufacturing, valorization of carbon emissions, and storage of renewable energy in chemicals/fuels. Widespread deployment of CO2 conversion technologies is hindered by poor energy conversion efficiencies and operational lifetimesperformance capabilities that are ultimately dictated by the utilized materials, including the catalysts, electrodes, and polymer electrolyte membranes. Methods are needed to visualize the dynamic CO2 conversion processes. This project is leveraging new, state-of-the-art in situ/operando electrochemical transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, which enable nanometer-scale imaging of the morphology of catalysts/ electrodes under electrochemical CO2 conversion conditions in real-time. This will provide insights into catalytically relevant structures and properties that will inform the development of next-generation CO2 conversion materials to address performance and stability challenges. The outcome will be made-in-Canada clean energy materials and technologies that will contribute towards achieving Canada’s ambitious pledge to be net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, strengthening its competitiveness in the critical clean energy sector.

Faculty Supervisor:

Drew Higgins

Student:

Partner:

Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Green/Alternative Energy; Sustainability and the Environment; Clean Technology

University:

McMaster University

Program: