Electroreduction of carbon dioxide to formate using highly efficient bimetallic Sn-Pd aerogels

Journal Article (2022)
Author(s)

Maryam Abdinejad (TU Delft - ChemE/Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage)

Mozhgan Khorasani Motlagh (University of Toronto)

Meissam Noroozifar (University of Toronto)

Heinz Bernhard Kraatz (University of Toronto)

Research Group
ChemE/Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1039/d1ma01057c
More Info
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Publication Year
2022
Language
English
Research Group
ChemE/Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage
Issue number
2
Volume number
3
Pages (from-to)
1224-1230
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Abstract

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to valuable materials is a promising approach to suppress atmospheric CO2 levels. In order to bring this strategy to a commercial scale, the design of efficient, cost-effective, and robust catalysts is essential. Current advances in CO2 conversion technology use bimetallic components that enhance electrocatalysis via the introduction of binding site diversity. In this work, Sn-Pd bimetallic aerogels supported by carbon nanotubes (Sn-Pd/CNT) demonstrate selective electroreduction of CO2 to formate in ambient conditions. Amino substituents were introduced as an additional CO2 capture site (Sn-Pd/CNT-NH2), further enhancing the electrocatalytic activity and resulting in 91% formate selectively and a current density of -39 mA cm-2 at -0.4 V vs. RHE. The results demonstrate the potential of alloying Sn with other earth-abundant metals to promote the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to value-added materials. We believe this study provides valuable insights into the intricate relationship of bimetallic aerogels and shows the potential of the -NH2 group as a facilitator for CO2 capture and conversion that will inspire new forays into the development of competitive catalytic systems.