Researchers develop a new catalyst to convert CO₂ into ethanol using electricity
A research team led by Professor Hyoyoung Lee of the Department of Chemistry at Sungkyunkwan University has developed a new catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into ethanol with high selectivity. The study, titled "Atomic-scale Cu–Zn synergy directs asymmetric C–C coupling for ethanol-selective CO2 electroreduction," was published in Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy.
Scientists from Sungkyunkwan University have created a novel catalyst that transforms carbon dioxide into ethanol using electrical energy. Led by Professor Hyoyoung Lee, the research team published their findings in Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy. Carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas, can be repurposed as a carbon source for manufacturing fuels and chemicals.
Ethanol serves as a renewable fuel, solvent, disinfectant, and industrial raw material. Existing CO2 conversion systems, however, generate numerous unwanted byproducts, necessitating energy-consuming separation and purification steps. To address this issue, the researchers developed a catalyst featuring copper and zinc atoms placed in direct proximity on a carbon support.
At this minuscule scale, the metals collaborate: zinc assists in preparing crucial reaction intermediates, while copper stimulates the formation of carbon-carbon bonds essential for ethanol production. This integrated structure guides the reaction more effectively toward ethanol while minimizing the generation of other products.
The catalyst demonstrated a 69% ethanol Faradaic efficiency in a membrane-electrode assembly system. The study reveals a new catalyst design approach centered on manipulating reactions at the atomic level. With potential enhancements in current density, energy efficiency, product concentration, and long-term stability, this method could facilitate the electrochemical conversion of captured CO2 into valuable liquid fuels and chemical feedstocks.
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