FTIR-Assisted Electroreduction of CO₂ and H₂O to CO and H₂ by Electrochemically Deposited Copper on Oxidized Graphite Felt

Abstract

Obtaining CO and H 2 from electrochemical CO 2 reduction (CO 2 RR) offers a viable alternative to reduce CO 2 emissions and produce chemicals and fuels. Herein, we report a simple strategy for obtaining polycrystalline copper deposited on oxidized graphite felt (Cu-OGF) and its performance on the selective conversion of CO 2 and H 2 O to CO and H 2 . For the electrode obtaining, graphite felt (GF) was first oxidized (OGF) in order to make the substrate hydrophilic and then copper particles were electrochemically deposited onto OGF. The pH of deposition was investigated, and the CO 2 RR activity was assessed for the prepared electrodes at each pH (2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10.0). It was found that pH 2.0 was the most promising for CO 2 RR due to the presence of hexagonal copper microparticles. Fourier transform infrared analysis of the produced gases showed that this is a low-cost catalyst capable of reducing CO 2 and H 2 O to CO and H 2 , with Faradaic efficiencies between 0.50 and 5.21% for CO and 50.87 to 98.30% for H 2 , depending on the experimental conditions. Hence, it is possible for this gas mixture to be used as a fuel gas or to be enriched with CO for use in Fischer−Tropsch processes.

Co-sensitization of Copper Indium Gallium Disulfide and Indium Sulfide on Zinc Oxide Nanostructures: Effect of Morphology in Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction

“…Converting carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into valuable chemicals and fuels has made an impact on reducing our carbon footprint. − However, the high stability of CO 2 for conversion into different chemicals restricts the application. Therefore, the research community has focused on developing materials and systems for efficient CO 2 conversion by reducing the high activation energy of CO 2 . − It is possible to achieve CO 2 reduction via various routes, including photocatalytic and electrochemical conversion. − In this way, besides decreasing carbon emissions, value-added chemicals, such as methanol, hydrogen, formic acid, and syngas, can be produced. − Among these chemicals, formic acid stands out as an alternative to fossil fuels due to its advantages, such as being an energy-intensive material, having a high volumetric hydrogen density, and having enormous potential as an effective hydrogen storage vector . Typically, the most important factor in producing different types of chemicals, from formic acid to carbon monoxide and multicarbon hydrocarbons and oxygenates, is the selectivity of the used catalyst.…”

Insights into Selective Mechanism of NiO-TiO2 Heterojunction to H2 and CO

“…Currently, the production of syngas from nonrenewable resources predominantly revolves around materials such as coal, natural gas, residues, heavy oil, and the like. Given the various syngas production processes, the molar ratio of H 2 to CO typically ranges from 1:2 to 3:1, and syngas finds extensive use in industrial settings, particularly in metal smelting operations . However, syngas leaks are a common occurrence during storage and transportation, giving rise to a plethora of security concerns spanning from industrial production to human health.…”

“…Given the various syngas production processes, the molar ratio of H 2 to CO typically ranges from 1:2 to 3:1, and syngas finds extensive use in industrial settings, particularly in metal smelting operations. 2 However, syngas leaks are a common occurrence during storage and transportation, giving rise to a plethora of security concerns spanning from industrial production to human health. To tackle these challenges, it becomes imperative to develop highly reliable gas sensors capable of real-time and precise detection of the gas composition during leakage events, all while meeting stringent energy-saving criteria.…”