Synthesis of higher value-added compounds from plasmonics-enhanced electrochemical CO2 reduction on Cu2O-Ag materials

• Grant number: 23/13268-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2023
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Susana Inés Córdoba de Torresi
• Grantee: Diego Caxambu de Araujo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The growing impact of climate change and global warming due to CO2 emissions makes it increasingly urgent to seek sustainable alternatives and techniques capable of mitigating these emissions. In this context, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 has proven to be a promising alternative to address this issue, as it is a method capable of producing economically valuable compounds such as methanol and ethanol while simultaneously reducing the carbon emission impact on the atmosphere. However, there are many complications associated with this method, ranging from its efficiency to the selectivity of the reaction products.The synthesis of C2 compounds such as ethylene, ethanol, and ethane holds significance due to the added value of these compounds. These compounds are obtained through the use of copper catalysts, but with currently low efficiency. A promising way to enhance the efficiency of this process is through the plasmonic effect. Phenomena caused by this effect, such as heat generation, optical enhancement of the near-field, and the production of highly excited electrons/holes, are essential for improving electrochemical reactions. The use of metallic nanoparticles and lasers with a specific wavelength range enables a detailed study of the contributions of these effects to electrocatalysis. Furthermore, the economic feasibility of this process can be expanded through factors related to the catalyst's structure and current density. An efficient way to increase the latter aspect is through gas diffusion electrodes (GDE), which are not limited by the diffusion of CO2(aq) in the liquid. Studies with this type of arrangement are bringing the application of this conversion to a larger scale closer.In light of this context, the present project aims to investigate the efficiency of CO2RR, focusing on the production of C2 compounds, using Cu2O and Ag catalysts while exploring the potential of plasmonics in these structures. Additionally, the project seeks to evaluate the influence of Cu2O facets on the selectivity of CO2RR and the use of GDE cells in current density. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable CO2 conversion technologies.