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Copper-Tin Alloys for the Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO 2 in an Imidazolium-Based Non-Aqueous Electrolyte

Author

Listed:
  • Robert L. Sacci

    (Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA)

  • Stephanie Velardo

    (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Lu Xiong

    (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Daniel A. Lutterman

    (Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
    Knoxville Catholic High School, 9245 Fox Lonas Rd NW, Knoxville, TN 37923, USA.)

  • Joel Rosenthal

    (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

Abstract

The ability to synthesize value-added chemicals directly from CO 2 will be an important technological advancement for future generations. Using solar energy to drive thermodynamically uphill electrochemical reactions allows for near carbon-neutral processes that can convert CO 2 into energy-rich carbon-based fuels. Here, we report on the use of inexpensive CuSn alloys to convert CO 2 into CO in an acetonitrile/imidazolium-based electrolyte. Synergistic interactions between the CuSn catalyst and the imidazolium cation enables the electrocatalytic conversion of CO 2 into CO at −1.65 V versus the standard calomel electrode (SCE). This catalyst system is characterized by overpotentials for CO 2 reduction that are similar to more expensive Au- and Ag-based catalysts, and also shows that the efficacy of the CO 2 reduction reaction can be tuned by varying the CuSn ratio.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert L. Sacci & Stephanie Velardo & Lu Xiong & Daniel A. Lutterman & Joel Rosenthal, 2019. "Copper-Tin Alloys for the Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO 2 in an Imidazolium-Based Non-Aqueous Electrolyte," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-12, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:16:p:3132-:d:257822
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas J. P. Hersbach & Alexei I. Yanson & Marc T. M. Koper, 2016. "Anisotropic etching of platinum electrodes at the onset of cathodic corrosion," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-7, November.
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