[ad_1]
Research by the University of Liverpool could help scientists unlock the full potential of new clean energy technologies.
Finding sustainable ways to replace fossil fuels is a key priority for researchers across the globe. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a hugely abundant waste product that can be converted into energy-rich by-products, such as carbon monoxide. However, this process needs to be made more efficient for it to work on a global, industrial scale.
Electrocatalysts have shown promise as a step-change in CO2 reduction, but the mechanisms by which they operate are often made in a rational manner.
New research published in Nature Catalysis by researchers at the University's Department of Chemistry, in collaboration with the Beijing Computational Science Research Center and STFC's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, demonstrates a laser-based spectroscopy technique that can be used to study the electrochemical reduction of CO2 in-situ and provide much-needed insights into these complex chemical pathways.
The researchers used a technique called Vibrational Sum-Frequency Generation (VSFG) spectroscopy coupled with electrochemical experiments to explore the chemistry of a particular catalyst called Mn (bpy) (CO) 3Br, which is one of the most promising and intensely studied CO2 reduction electrocatalysts .
Using VSFG the researchers have been able to observe that they are only present at an electrode surface for a short time that has been achieved in previous experimental studies.
At Liverpool, the work was conducted by the Cowan Group, a team of researchers who study and develop new catalytic systems for the sustainable production of fuels.
Dr. Gaia Neri, who was part of the Liverpool team, said: "A huge challenge in studying electrocatalysis in situ is having to discriminate between the molecules of the surface and the environment. molecules in the solution.
"We've shown that VSFG makes it possible to follow the behavior of even very short-lived species in the catalytic cycle. This is an exciting way to understand how to operate electrochemical CO2 in clean fuel technologies. "
Following on from this research, the team is now working towards a greater understanding of the sensitivity of the technique and is developing a new detection system that will allow for a better signal-to-noise ratio.
The paper 'Detection of catalytic intermediates at an electrode surface during carbon dioxide reduction by an earth-abundant catalyst' is published in Nature Catalysis.
More information:
Gaia Neri et al., Detection of catalytic intermediates at an electrode surface during carbon dioxide reduction by an earth-abundant catalyst, Nature Catalysis (2018). DOI: 10.1038 / s41929-018-0169-3
Research by the University of Liverpool could help scientists unlock the full potential of new clean energy technologies.
Finding sustainable ways to replace fossil fuels is a key priority for researchers across the globe. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a hugely abundant waste product that can be converted into energy-rich by-products, such as carbon monoxide. However, this process needs to be made more efficient for it to work on a global, industrial scale.
Electrocatalysts have shown promise as a step-change in CO2 reduction, but the mechanisms by which they operate are often made in a rational manner.
New research published in Nature Catalysis by researchers at the University's Department of Chemistry, in collaboration with the Beijing Computational Science Research Center and STFC's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, demonstrates a laser-based spectroscopy technique that can be used to study the electrochemical reduction of CO2 in-situ and provide much-needed insights into these complex chemical pathways.
The researchers used a technique called Vibrational Sum-Frequency Generation (VSFG) spectroscopy coupled with electrochemical experiments to explore the chemistry of a particular catalyst called Mn (bpy) (CO) 3Br, which is one of the most promising and intensely studied CO2 reduction electrocatalysts .
Using VSFG the researchers have been able to observe that they are only present at an electrode surface for a short time that has been achieved in previous experimental studies.
At Liverpool, the work was conducted by the Cowan Group, a team of researchers who study and develop new catalytic systems for the sustainable production of fuels.
Dr. Gaia Neri, who was part of the Liverpool team, said: "A huge challenge in studying electrocatalysis in situ is having to discriminate between the molecules of the surface and the environment. molecules in the solution.
"We've shown that VSFG makes it possible to follow the behavior of even very short-lived species in the catalytic cycle. This is an exciting way to understand how to operate electrochemical CO2 in clean fuel technologies. "
Following on from this research, the team is now working towards a greater understanding of the sensitivity of the technique and is developing a new detection system that will allow for a better signal-to-noise ratio.
The paper 'Detection of catalytic intermediates at an electrode surface during carbon dioxide reduction by an earth-abundant catalyst' is published in Nature Catalysis.
More information:
Gaia Neri et al., Detection of catalytic intermediates at an electrode surface during carbon dioxide reduction by an earth-abundant catalyst, Nature Catalysis (2018). DOI: 10.1038 / s41929-018-0169-3
Source link
