Room temperature CO₂ reduction to solid carbon species on liquid metals featuring atomically thin ceria interfaces

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Climate Technology

Background:

• Gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2) storage is challenging for climate stability.
• Negative carbon emission technologies are crucial for mitigating climate change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction.
• To create a viable negative emission technology using liquid metal.

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical reduction of CO2 using a liquid metal electrocatalyst.
• Incorporation of metallic elemental cerium nanoparticles.
• Formation of cerium oxide at the liquid metal/electrolyte interface.

Main Results:

• Achieved electrochemical reduction of CO2 to solid carbonaceous species at low onset potential (-310 mV vs CO2/C).
• Demonstrated room temperature CO2 reduction facilitated by cerium nanoparticles and oxide.
• Developed a coking-resistant electrode due to inhibited van der Waals adhesion.
• Produced solid carbon materials suitable for high-performance capacitor electrodes.

Conclusions:

• The liquid metal electrocatalyst enables efficient CO2 conversion at room temperature.
• This process shows potential as a viable negative emission technology.
• The produced carbon materials have applications in energy storage.