AgCu Single-Atom Alloy Catalyst for Faster CO2 C-C Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrocatalytic CO2 reduction technologies struggle to efficiently produce multicarbon products due to sluggish C—C coupling kinetics, primarily focusing on enhancing surface coverage of adsorbed CO without addressing the adsorption energy on the catalyst surface.
Innovation Solution
A novel AgCu single-atom nanoparticle (SANP) catalyst is developed, comprising a copper substrate with a silver copper single-atom alloy and silver nanoparticles, promoting C—C coupling kinetics by improving the adsorption energy of CO on the catalyst surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If catalyst design focuses on enhancing surface coverage of adsorbed CO by enhancing local CO concentration, then surface coverage of *CO is improved, but adsorption energy of *CO on the catalyst surface is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the catalyst surface composition through AgCu single-atom alloy formation, which alters the electronic structure and adsorption energy of CO on the catalyst surface. This enables simultaneous optimization of both surface coverage and adsorption energy parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by creating an AgCu single-atom alloy catalyst that combines silver and copper atoms in a specific atomic arrangement. This composite structure enables the catalyst to achieve both high surface coverage of CO and optimized adsorption energy, resolving the information loss issue
2Productivity
If pure Cu surface is used for CO2 reduction, then C—C coupling can occur, but C—C coupling kinetics are sluggish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing Ag atoms at specific single-atom positions within the Cu lattice to create localized regions with enhanced catalytic activity. These AgCu single-atom sites specifically promote C—C coupling kinetics while maintaining the overall Cu surface structure for CO2 reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by forming an AgCu single-atom alloy where Ag atoms are dispersed throughout the Cu lattice. This composite structure enhances C—C coupling kinetics by creating synergistic electronic effects at the Ag-Cu interface while maintaining the catalytic activity for CO2 reduction
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The AgCu SANP catalyst achieves a high Faradaic Efficiency of 94% towards multicarbon products, including C2-C6 compounds like ethanol and ethylene, under a working current density of 720 mA cm−2, surpassing previous catalysts in performance.
Implementation Method 1
Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction into valuable chemicals utilizing renewable electricity provides a sustainable route for CO2 recycling and utilization
Implementation Method 2
improving the adsorption energy of CO on the catalyst surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a catalyst for producing a multicarbon product from CO2, comprising a copper (Cu) substrate having at least one silver copper (AgCu) single-atom alloy (SAA), and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) on the Cu substrate or on the AgCu SAA, wherein the AgCu SAA comprises at least one single Ag atom dispersed into a surface of the Cu substrate, and the Ag nanoparticles comprise Ag-Ag bonds between the Ag nanoparticles.