Solar conversion of CO₂ to CO using Earth-abundant electrocatalysts prepared by atomic layer modification of CuO
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
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%.
Date Issued
2017-07-01
Date Acceptance
2017-05-02
Citation
Nature Energy, 2017, 2 (7)
ISSN
2058-7546
Publisher
Springer Nature
Journal / Book Title
Nature Energy
Volume
2
Issue
7
Copyright Statement
© 2017 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature. All rights reserved.
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Energy & Fuels
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Materials Science
SELECTIVE ELECTROCHEMICAL REDUCTION
OXYGEN EVOLUTION REACTION
CARBON-DIOXIDE REDUCTION
COPPER-CATALYSTS
AQUEOUS CO2
ELECTROREDUCTION
EFFICIENT
IDENTIFICATION
PHOTOCATHODES
ELECTRODES
0906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering
0907 Environmental Engineering
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 17087
Date Publish Online
2017-06-05