Cu(II) Dithiocarbamate Complexes as a Source of CuxS Nanoparticles for the CO2 Electroreduction.

• Grant number: 24/02115-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Fabio Henrique Barros de Lima
• Grantee: Matheus da Silva Corsino
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/22183-6 - Electrocatalysis VI: fundamental and applied aspects of emerging and classical problems in electrochemical energy conversion, AP.TEM

Abstract

The advancement in effective technologies for the conversion and storage of clean energy plays a crucial role in building a sustainable society. In this context, the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (RECO2) is an attractive process due to its potential to generate raw materials and renewable energy. Among all metals, copper stands out for its ability to directly convert CO2 into more complex products (C2+ and C3+). However, challenges related to the low stability and selectivity of catalysts still persist. Copper, in particular, is known for its highly dynamic behavior during RECO2, with its activity, morphology, and selectivity being severely altered during the reaction. Thus, enhancing the efficiency, selectivity, and stability of these electrocatalysts remains an important task. It is in this scenario that the present project proposes to study the formation, stability, and electrocatalytic activity of copper nanoparticles in RECO2. More specifically, copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuxS NP) will be generated in situ and ex situ using Cu and S complexes containing dithiocarbamate ligands (R2N-CS2) as the Cu and S source. CuxS NP will be investigated with reference to the chemical nature of the R group and its role in the formation, stabilization, and activation of the catalytic material. The distribution of products generated from CO2 reduction and faradaic efficiency (EF%) will be investigated through online coupling of mass spectrometry with electrochemical techniques, and inline using gas chromatography.