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Solar conversion of CO2 to CO using Earth-abundant electrocatalysts prepared by atomic layer modification of CuO

Author

Listed:
  • Marcel Schreier

    (Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL))

  • Florent Héroguel

    (Laboratory of Sustainable and Catalytic Processing, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL))

  • Ludmilla Steier

    (Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL))

  • Shahzada Ahmad

    (Abengoa Research)

  • Jeremy S. Luterbacher

    (Laboratory of Sustainable and Catalytic Processing, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL))

  • Matthew T. Mayer

    (Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL))

  • Jingshan Luo

    (Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL))

  • Michael Grätzel

    (Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL))

Abstract

The solar-driven electrochemical reduction of CO2 to fuels and chemicals provides a promising way for closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle. However, the lack of selective and Earth-abundant catalysts able to achieve the desired transformation reactions in an aqueous matrix presents a substantial impediment as of today. Here we introduce atomic layer deposition of SnO2 on CuO nanowires as a means for changing the wide product distribution of CuO-derived CO2 reduction electrocatalysts to yield predominantly CO. The activity of this catalyst towards oxygen evolution enables us to use it both as the cathode and anode for complete CO2 electrolysis. In the resulting device, the electrodes are separated by a bipolar membrane, allowing each half-reaction to run in its optimal electrolyte environment. Using a GaInP/GaInAs/Ge photovoltaic we achieve the solar-driven splitting of CO2 into CO and oxygen with a bifunctional, sustainable and all Earth-abundant system at an efficiency of 13.4%.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcel Schreier & Florent Héroguel & Ludmilla Steier & Shahzada Ahmad & Jeremy S. Luterbacher & Matthew T. Mayer & Jingshan Luo & Michael Grätzel, 2017. "Solar conversion of CO2 to CO using Earth-abundant electrocatalysts prepared by atomic layer modification of CuO," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 2(7), pages 1-9, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:2:y:2017:i:7:d:10.1038_nenergy.2017.87
    DOI: 10.1038/nenergy.2017.87
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    Cited by:

    1. Tufa, Ramato Ashu & Chanda, Debabrata & Ma, Ming & Aili, David & Demissie, Taye Beyene & Vaes, Jan & Li, Qingfeng & Liu, Shanhu & Pant, Deepak, 2020. "Towards highly efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction: Cell designs, membranes and electrocatalysts," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).
    2. Xiao, Shuai & Fu, Qian & Li, Zhuo & Li, Jun & Zhang, Liang & Zhu, Xun & Liao, Qiang, 2021. "Solar-driven biological inorganic hybrid systems for the production of solar fuels and chemicals from carbon dioxide," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    3. Agliuzza, Matteo & Mezza, Alessio & Sacco, Adriano, 2023. "Solar-driven integrated carbon capture and utilization: Coupling CO2 electroreduction toward CO with capture or photovoltaic systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 334(C).

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