Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Condensed Molecules

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The work to be done under this grant is aimed at electrochemically producing alcohols at ambient temperature from carbon dioxide. The alcohols, such as methanol can be used as fuel or as chemical feedstocks. The primary drawback to economical electrochemical reduction of CO2 has been low efficiencies. The technology to be investigated would increase this efficiency and make the process economically viable. Specifically, work will be directed towards achieving both high Faradaic efficiencies and current densities for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 is aqueous electrolyte to alcohols. The electrocatalysis strategy will involve providing distinct sites on the electrode surface for electrochemically generating chemisorbed carbon dioxide (at either FeRhO3, LaRhO3, LaNiO3 or LaCoO3 sites). This will be achieved by electrochemically in situ depositing copper from the electrolytic cell catholyte onto the electronically conducting metal oxide perovskite. Mechanistic insight will be obtained on the synergistic role of this electrocatalysis approach for enhancing CO2 reduction kinetics to give the desired condensed species (alcohols).