CO₂ reduction using paper-derived carbon electrodes modified with copper nanoparticles

The conversion of CO₂ into useful chemicals can lead to the production of carbon neutral fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A key technological challenge necessary to enable such a process is the development of substrates that are active, cost effective, and selective for this reaction. In this regard, the reduction of CO₂ via electrochemical means is one of the most attractive alternatives but still requires rather unique electrodes. Considering the potential of this approach, this report describes a one-step methodology for the synthesis of carbon electrodes derived from simple paper and modified with various metallic nanoparticles. Upon a preliminary selection based on the catalytic activity towards CO₂ reduction, the electrodes containing CuNPs were further characterized by Raman spectroscopy, and electrical/electrochemical techniques. These electrodes were then applied for the electrochemical reduction of CO₂, leading to the formation of compounds with one carbon atom (formic acid), two carbon atoms (ethenone), three carbon atoms (propanoic acid) and four carbon atoms (butanol and butanoic acid).