Catalyst structure for electrochemical CO2 reduction, and method for producing same
AssigneeSeoul National University R&Db Foundation
InventorsYoung Chang Joo, Jae Chan Lee
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Abstract
A catalyst structure for electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction includes carbon nanofibers doped with nitrogen (N), and copper (Cu) particles dispersed on the carbon nanofibers. At least portions of the carbon nanofibers at interfaces with the Cu particles may have a pyridinic-N structure. The pyridinic-N structure is a first catalyst for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO), and the Cu particles are a second catalyst for converting CO to a C2 or higher hydrocarbon compound through dimerization between a plurality of CO molecules.
Claims13
A catalyst structure for electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction, the catalyst structure comprising:
- carbon nanofibers provided as a matrix and doped with nitrogen (N);
- and
- copper (Cu) particles dispersed on the carbon nanofibers,
- wherein at least portions of the carbon nanofibers at interfaces with the Cu particles have a pyridinic-N structure,
- wherein the pyridinic-N structure is a first catalyst for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO),
- wherein the Cu particles are a second catalyst for converting CO to a C2 or higher hydrocarbon compound through dimerization between a plurality of CO molecules, and
- wherein the pyridinic-N structure is formed directly adjacent to and surrounds the Cu particles at a location where the carbon nanofibers directly contact the Cu particles.
A method of producing a catalyst structure for electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction, the method comprising:
- producing a carbon nanofiber precursor by electrospinning a spinning solution comprising the carbon nanofiber precursor containing a copper (Cu) precursor and nitrogen (N);
- and
- producing a carbon nanofiber composite comprising carbon nanofibers and Cu particles dispersed on the carbon nanofibers by performing calcination on the carbon nanofiber precursor in a gas atmosphere comprising oxygen,
- wherein the performing of the calcination comprises locally transiting, to a pyridinic-N structure, at least portions of the carbon nanofibers at interfaces with the Cu particles, and
- wherein the pyridinic-N structure is formed directly adjacent to and surrounds the Cu particles at a location where the carbon nanofibers directly contact the Cu particles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.