Atomic-Scale Channel Catalyst for CO2 Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carbon dioxide conversion technologies face limitations in efficiency, selectivity, and catalytic performance due to the use of high-priced precious metal catalysts and rapid degradation, hindering their commercialization for producing high value-added fuels.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst with atomic-scale channels formed on its surface or inside, created through electrochemical lithiation and delithiation of a metal compound-containing particle, allowing for controlled channel dimensions and enhanced adsorption specificity, thereby improving catalytic activity and selectivity for the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into high value-added C2+ fuels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precious metal catalysts are used for carbon dioxide conversion, then catalytic activity is improved, but cost increases and catalyst degradation accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive precious metal catalysts with non-precious metal compounds (such as copper-based materials) that are cheaper and can be regenerated through lithiation-delithiation cycles, effectively treating the catalyst as a renewable resource rather than a consumable precious material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state and surface properties of the catalyst through electrochemical lithiation and delithiation processes, transforming the metal compound into a highly active catalytic state with improved stability for CO2 conversion without requiring precious metals
2Productivity
If conventional catalysts are used for carbon dioxide conversion, then basic catalytic function is achieved, but efficiency and selectivity for C2+ fuels remain low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates atomic-scale channels with specific dimensions (0.3-1.0 nm) that provide localized active sites with tailored electronic and geometric properties, enabling selective adsorption and conversion of CO2 into C2+ hydrocarbons with high efficiency and selectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces atomic-scale porous channels within the catalyst structure that control reactant access and product diffusion, enhancing both conversion efficiency and selectivity for desired C2+ fuel products through size-selective catalysis
3Productivity
If catalyst surface area is increased to improve activity, then catalytic activity increases, but adsorption specificity control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates uniform atomic-scale channels with precisely controlled dimensions (0.3-1.0 nm) that provide consistent local environments for CO2 adsorption and conversion, maintaining high catalytic activity while ensuring uniform adsorption specificity across the entire catalyst surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical approaches to increasing surface area (such as creating irregular nanoparticle aggregates) with electrochemically controlled lithiation processes that precisely define channel dimensions and properties at the atomic scale, enabling both high activity and precise specificity control
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 catalyst exhibits high current density, Faradaic efficiency, and selectivity for C2+ hydrocarbons, significantly increasing the production of ethylene and ethanol, outperforming unmodified catalysts and maintaining stability over multiple cycles.
Implementation Method 1
forming the at least one atomic-scale channel on a surface of the particle, or on a surface and inside of the particle by electrochemical lithiation of a metal compound-containing particle
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of a surface, or a surface and inside of the metal compound-containing particle is reduced during the lithiation to form the at least one atomic-scale channel
Implementation Method 3
electrochemical lithiation of a metal compound-containing particle, followed by delithiation
Implementation Method 4
controlling the adsorption specificity of the catalyst by increasing a catalytic reaction site
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a particle including at least one atomic-scale channel formed on a surface of the particle or on a surface and inside of the particle; a catalyst including the particle, particularly a catalyst for efficient and selective electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into high value-added C2+ fuel; and a method of preparing the particle.