CO2 Upgrading into C2 Oxygenates with a CuAg Tandem Electrocatalyst

Patent Status

Patent Pending

Brief Description

The challenge in carbon dioxide utilization is efficiently converting it into valuable, multi-carbon chemicals. Current carbon dioxide electroreduction methods often suffer from low selectivity and yield towards desirable products like two-carbon oxygenates, such as ethanol and acetate, which are key platform molecules for the chemical industry. This innovation, developed by UC Berkeley researchers, addresses this by using a novel Copper-Silver (CuAg) tandem electrocatalyst within a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) cell to efficiently upgrade carbon dioxide into two-carbon oxygenates. This technology offers significantly enhanced selectivity and efficiency for two-carbon oxygenate production directly from carbon dioxide compared to conventional single-metal or mixed-metal catalysts, presenting a more sustainable and economically viable route for chemical synthesis.

Suggested uses

• Sustainable production of commodity chemicals like ethanol and acetate from captured or waste carbon dioxide, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

• Decarbonization of the chemical and fuel industries by providing a pathway for carbon dioxide utilization.

• Integration into electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems, using renewable electricity to drive the carbon dioxide reduction reaction.

• On-site production of two-carbon oxygenates at industrial carbon dioxide emission sources.

Advantages

• High selectivity for two-carbon oxygenates (ethanol and acetate) compared to competing byproducts (e.g., methane or carbon monoxide).

• Enhanced efficiency due to the tandem catalytic effect of the Copper-Silver nanoparticles.

• Scalable design enabled by the use of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) cell, suitable for industrial applications.

• Reduced catalyst loading or improved lifetime due to the nanoscale and stable integration on a hydrophobic carbon substrate.

• Sustainable and environmentally friendly process that converts a greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide) into valuable products.

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