Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide on p-Block Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

James L. White (Department of Chemistry, Princeton University)

Carbon dioxide is a potent greenhouse gas whose concentrations have been rising steadily. A decrease in the net emissions of CO₂ and a means of storing energy from intermittent alternative power sources are necessary for the long-term stability of both the environment and economic development. The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to liquid products on p-block metals addresses both problems. Indium and tin have been utilized in their bulk form for this purpose; however, the mechanism was not understood. Nanoparticles of the oxides and hydroxides of these metals have been prepared and characterized by TEM, XRD, XPS, and various electrochemical methods in order to obtain structural information and analyze the role of various surface species on the CO₂ reduction pathway. With both indium and tin, metastable surface-bound hydroxides bind CO₂ and form metal carbonates, which can then be reduced electrochemically. Metallic indium nanoparticles partially oxidize in air and become highly efficient CO₂ reduction electrocatalysts. Alloys and mixed-metal oxide and hydroxide particles of tin and indium have also been studied for their carbon dioxide catalytic capabilities. Finally, a solar-driven indium-based CO₂ electrolyzer was developed to investigate the overall efficiency for intermittent energy storage.

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