Photoelectrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide on copper foam electrodes modified by copper oxides

Grant Agency
Grant Agency of the Czech Republic
Topics
Molecular Electrocatalysis.
Molecular Electrochemistry.
Year from
2018
Year to
2020

Gradual increase of carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere poses a significant threat for future generations. Strategies to reverse the accumulation of carbon dioxide include its photoelectrochemical reduction, generating organic molecules to be potentially used as a form of sustainable energy. However, the photoelectrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide, which typically takes place at planar photocathodes made of materials such as copper oxides, suffers from a low quantum yield. To overcome this limitation, this project is aimed at utilizing nanoarchitectures of copper foams instead of planar electrodes. The modification of copper foams by copper(I) oxide/copper(II) oxide composites will be carried out, forming photocathodes with a huge surface-to-volume ratio. This will allow carbon dioxide to be photoreduced with considerably higher efficiency. Formed reaction intermediates and products will be detected and quantified by on-line analytical tools - IR spectroelectrochemistry, selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry and gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

RNDr. Kolivoška Viliam Ph.D., MBA

E-mail
viliam.kolivoska at jh-inst.cas.cz
Room
525, 526, 501
Extension
+420 26605 3875, 3080