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Updated: Jun 10, 2025
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Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
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Anion Effect in Electrochemical CO2 Reduction: From Spectators to Orchestrators.
Ji Mun Yoo1, Johannes Ingenmey2, Mathieu Salanne2,3
1Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|October 15, 2024
Summary
Anions significantly impact electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) selectivity and activity. Weakly adsorbing anions, like propionate, enhance CO2 reduction kinetics, enabling nearly 100% efficiency in aqueous electrolytes.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
- Materials Science
Background:
- Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) converts CO2 into valuable fuels.
- Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) competes with eCO2RR in aqueous electrolytes.
- Anion influence on eCO2RR is less understood than cation influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the effect of various anions on gold catalyst performance for eCO2RR.
- Understand the fundamental mechanisms governing anion influence on eCO2RR selectivity and kinetics.
- Identify optimal anions for efficient aqueous eCO2RR.
Main Methods:
- In situ differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) for real-time product analysis.
- Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to probe anion-electrode interactions.
- Systematic screening of inorganic and carboxylate anions.
Main Results:
- Anions significantly alter eCO2RR kinetics and selectivity.
- Free energy of anion physisorption identified as a key descriptor.
- Weakly adsorbing anions promote favorable CO2 reduction.
- Propionate anion achieved nearly 100% Faradaic efficiency for eCO2RR.
Conclusions:
- Anion selection is crucial for optimizing aqueous eCO2RR.
- Weak anion adsorption facilitates efficient CO2 reduction.
- Propionate shows promise as a highly effective anion for eCO2RR, comparable to bicarbonate.
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