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Efficient electrosynthesis of n-propanol from carbon monoxide using a Ag–Ru–Cu catalyst

Author

Listed:
  • Xue Wang

    (University of Toronto)

  • Pengfei Ou

    (University of Toronto)

  • Adnan Ozden

    (University of Toronto)

  • Sung-Fu Hung

    (National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University)

  • Jason Tam

    (University of Toronto)

  • Christine M. Gabardo

    (University of Toronto)

  • Jane Y. Howe

    (University of Toronto)

  • Jared Sisler

    (University of Toronto)

  • Koen Bertens

    (University of Toronto)

  • F. Pelayo García de Arquer

    (University of Toronto
    Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Rui Kai Miao

    (University of Toronto)

  • Colin P. O’Brien

    (University of Toronto)

  • Ziyun Wang

    (University of Toronto)

  • Jehad Abed

    (University of Toronto)

  • Armin Sedighian Rasouli

    (University of Toronto)

  • Mengjia Sun

    (University of Toronto)

  • Alexander H. Ip

    (University of Toronto)

  • David Sinton

    (University of Toronto)

  • Edward H. Sargent

    (University of Toronto)

Abstract

The high-energy-density C3 fuel n-propanol is desired from CO2/CO electroreduction, as evidenced by propanol’s high market price per tonne (approximately US$ 1,400–1,600). However, CO electroreduction to n-propanol has shown low selectivity, limited production rates and poor stability. Here we report catalysts, identified using computational screening, that simultaneously facilitate multiple carbon–carbon coupling, stabilize C2 intermediates and promote CO adsorption, all leading to improved n-propanol electrosynthesis. Experimentally we construct the predicted optimal electrocatalyst based on silver–ruthenium co-doped copper. We achieve, at 300 mA cm−2, a high n-propanol Faradaic efficiency of 36% ± 3%, a C2+ Faradaic efficiency of 93% and single-pass CO conversion of 85%. The system exhibits 100 h stable n-propanol electrosynthesis. Technoeconomic analysis based on the performance of the pilot system projects profitability.

Suggested Citation

  • Xue Wang & Pengfei Ou & Adnan Ozden & Sung-Fu Hung & Jason Tam & Christine M. Gabardo & Jane Y. Howe & Jared Sisler & Koen Bertens & F. Pelayo García de Arquer & Rui Kai Miao & Colin P. O’Brien & Ziyu, 2022. "Efficient electrosynthesis of n-propanol from carbon monoxide using a Ag–Ru–Cu catalyst," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 7(2), pages 170-176, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:7:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1038_s41560-021-00967-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41560-021-00967-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Jun Bu & Siyu Chang & Jinjin Li & Sanyin Yang & Wenxiu Ma & Zhenpeng Liu & Siying An & Yanan Wang & Zhen Li & Jian Zhang, 2023. "Highly selective electrocatalytic alkynol semi-hydrogenation for continuous production of alkenols," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.

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