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Temperature promotes selectivity during electrochemical CO2 reduction on NiO:SnO2 nanofibers
M A Rodriguez-Olguin1,2, R Lipin3, M Suominen4
1Mesoscale Chemical Systems, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente P. O. Box 217 Enschede 7500AE The Netherlands.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. A
|September 2, 2024
Summary
This study developed electrospun NiO:SnO2 nanofibers for selective carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction to formate at elevated temperatures. The synergistic effect between Ni and Sn in the nanofibers enhances CO2 electroreduction efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Electrolyzers require electrocatalysts that maintain product selectivity across operating temperatures.
- Developing efficient electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is crucial for sustainable chemical synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate NiO:SnO2 nanofibers (NFs) for selective CO2 electroreduction to formate at temperatures above room temperature.
- To investigate the synergistic effects between NiO and SnO2 in promoting CO2RR.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning technique for NiO:SnO2 NF synthesis.
- Characterization using STEM, XRD, XPS, EELS.
- Electrochemical evaluation of CO2RR performance at various temperatures (25–40 °C).
- In situ DEMS and computational DFT studies.
Main Results:
- NiO:SnO2 NFs selectively produced formate from CO2 at temperatures above room temperature.
- Optimal formate production was achieved at 40 °C with NiOSnO50NF and NiOSnO75NF compositions.
- Synergistic effects between Ni and Sn were identified as key to enhanced selectivity and efficiency.
- DFT calculations confirmed enhanced thermodynamic stability and formate production with Ni-doped SnO2.
Conclusions:
- The synergistic interaction between NiO and SnO2 in electrospun nanofibers promotes efficient and selective CO2 electroreduction to formate at elevated temperatures.
- This approach offers a promising pathway for developing advanced electrocatalysts for CO2 utilization.
