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Exploring the influence of cell configurations on Cu catalyst reconstruction during CO2 electroreduction

Author

Listed:
  • Woong Choi

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Gyeongsang National University)

  • Younghyun Chae

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    University of Science and Technology (UST))

  • Ershuai Liu

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Dongjin Kim

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Korea University)

  • Walter S. Drisdell

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Hyung-suk Oh

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU))

  • Jai Hyun Koh

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    University of Science and Technology (UST))

  • Dong Ki Lee

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Yonsei University
    Korea University)

  • Ung Lee

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    University of Science and Technology (UST)
    Korea University)

  • Da Hye Won

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    University of Science and Technology (UST)
    Kyung Hee University)

Abstract

Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) cells incorporating Cu catalysts are effective for generating C2+ chemicals via the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, the impact of MEA configuration on the inevitable reconstruction of Cu catalysts during CO2RR remains underexplored, despite its considerable potential to affect CO2RR efficacy. Herein, we demonstrate that MEA cells prompt a unique reconstruction of Cu, in contrast to H-type cells, which subsequently influences CO2RR outcomes. Utilizing three Cu-based catalysts, specifically engineered with different nanostructures, we identify contrasting selectivity trends in the production of C2+ chemicals between H-type and MEA cells. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy, alongside ex-situ analyses in both cell types, indicates that MEA cells facilitate the reduction of Cu2O, resulting in altered Cu surfaces compared to those in H-type cells. Time-resolved CO2RR studies, supported by Operando analysis, further highlight that significant Cu reconstruction within MEA cells is a primary factor leading to the deactivation of CO2RR into C2+ chemicals.

Suggested Citation

  • Woong Choi & Younghyun Chae & Ershuai Liu & Dongjin Kim & Walter S. Drisdell & Hyung-suk Oh & Jai Hyun Koh & Dong Ki Lee & Ung Lee & Da Hye Won, 2024. "Exploring the influence of cell configurations on Cu catalyst reconstruction during CO2 electroreduction," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-52692-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52692-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jonggeol Na & Bora Seo & Jeongnam Kim & Chan Woo Lee & Hyunjoo Lee & Yun Jeong Hwang & Byoung Koun Min & Dong Ki Lee & Hyung-Suk Oh & Ung Lee, 2019. "General technoeconomic analysis for electrochemical coproduction coupling carbon dioxide reduction with organic oxidation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Ruiz-López, Estela & Gandara-Loe, Jesús & Baena-Moreno, Francisco & Reina, Tomas Ramirez & Odriozola, José Antonio, 2022. "Electrocatalytic CO2 conversion to C2 products: Catalysts design, market perspectives and techno-economic aspects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    3. Jianfeng Huang & Nicolas Hörmann & Emad Oveisi & Anna Loiudice & Gian Luca De Gregorio & Oliviero Andreussi & Nicola Marzari & Raffaella Buonsanti, 2018. "Potential-induced nanoclustering of metallic catalysts during electrochemical CO2 reduction," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-9, December.
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