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New approach of copper electrodeposition for CO2 electroreduction to hydrocarbons C2+ and in-situ catalyst recovery to increase the reaction stability.

Grant number: 24/23076-7
Support Opportunities:Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
Start date: May 01, 2025
End date: April 30, 2028
Field of knowledge:Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
Principal Investigator:Ernesto Chaves Pereira de Souza
Grantee:Eduardo Henrique Dias
Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
Associated research grant:21/12394-0 - Sustainable synthetic methods employing catalysis, benign solvents, safer reagents, and bio-renewable feedstock, AP.TEM

Abstract

For a long time, global organizations have aimed to control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and combat global warming by promoting international agreements and developing technologies to convert CO2 into reusable products, such as fuels and chemical precursors. Electrochemical reduction of CO2 is a promising pathway, particularly given the increasing viability of renewable energy sources. This approach can replace traditional methods of producing organic molecules that rely on fossil fuels. Products generated through this process as ethanol, methanol, and ethylene stand out due to their industrial demand, serving as precursors and fuels. The development of new pathways to obtain these products from renewable sources is valuable, but electrochemical systems must meet stringent parameters, including current densities of 200-300 mA/cm², Faradaic efficiencies exceeding 90%, and high stability. Recent research has demonstrated significant advancements; however, further progress is needed for potential industrial applications. Copper-based catalysts are unique in their ability to produce C2+ products, yet challenges related to selectivity and stability under high currents must be addressed. In situ recovery of copper through pulsed electroreduction and stabilizing additives in the system can be employed to achieve the desired objectives, helping to maintain the integrity of the catalyst over extended reaction periods. The project aims to adapt and develop a MEA-Cell system utilizing a copper catalyst electrochemically deposited in an organic medium, beneath a silver layer supported on PTFE. The goal is to achieve high selectivity for ethylene and ethanol, ensure long operational lifetimes, and enable operation under high current densities. This approach seeks to overcome current challenges, making the large-scale application of CO2 electroreduction feasible.

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