Photoelectrochemical cell for carbon dioxide conversion

Abstract

the present disclosure relates to photoelectrochemical cells and methods for using such for reduction of carbon dioxide and oxidation of water. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide in an electrochemical cell, comprising contacting the carbon dioxide with at least one transition metal dichalcogenide in the electrochemical cell and at least one helper catalyst and applying a potential to the electrochemical cell.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 436,870, filed Dec. 20, 2017, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSUREField of the Disclosure[0002]This disclosure relates generally to photoelectrochemical cells. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to photoelectrochemical cells and methods for using such for reduction of carbon dioxide and oxidation of water.Technical Background[0003]In 2013, the global concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reached 400 parts per million (ppm) for the first time in recorded history. Such levels will cause radical and largely unpredictable changes in the environment. Recent efforts have shown that CO2 can be converted by electrochemical reduction processes driven by renewable energy sources into energy-rich fuels (e.g., syngas, methanol), offering an efficient path for both CO2 remedia...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device that has two sections, with one section in contact with another section. When exposed to light, the device creates a potential difference that reduces carbon dioxide and oxidizes water. This results in the photovoltaic cell converting light into energy.

Problems solved by technology

Such levels will cause radical and largely unpredictable changes in the environment.

The chemical inertness of CO2, however, renders most conversion processes highly inefficient.

Current catalysts are plagued by weak binding interactions between the reaction intermediates and the catalyst (giving rise to high overpotentials), or by slow electron transfer kinetics (giving rise to low exchange current densities).

Current attempts at such systems have been limited by expensive light-absorbing materials and / or catalysts, and by the requirement for strongly acidic or basic reaction media, which are corrosive and difficult to manage or a large scale.

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