Bismuth-Copper Single-Atom Alloy Catalyst for CO2 Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catalysts for the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide lack selectivity for multi-carbon products, and single-atom alloy catalysts have not been utilized for this purpose.
Innovation Solution
A bismuth-copper single-atom alloy catalyst is developed, where bismuth atoms are dispersed in copper nanoparticles in a single-atom form, enhancing the catalyst's ability to electrocatalytically reduce carbon dioxide to multi-carbon products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional copper catalysts are used for electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide, then the catalyst can reduce carbon dioxide to multi-carbon products, but the selectivity for multi-carbon products is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the catalyst into a base metal matrix (copper nanoparticles) with single-atom dispersed dopant metals (bismuth atoms), creating distinct functional regions: the copper matrix provides multi-carbon product formation capability while the isolated bismuth atoms selectively modulate electronic structure to enhance selectivity, thereby reducing unwanted side reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces single-atom bismuth dopants at specific locations within the copper nanoparticle structure. These localized bismuth atoms create specific active sites with modified electronic properties that preferentially catalyze multi-carbon product formation while suppressing hydrogen evolution, achieving high selectivity without compromising overall catalytic activity
2Productivity
If single-atom alloy catalysts are used, then atomic use ratio is maximized and catalytic performance is improved, but they have not been effectively applied to electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to prepare multi-carbon products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal single-atom alloy platform where copper nanoparticles serve as the base metal providing multi-carbon product formation capability, while the dispersed bismuth single atoms provide electronic modulation and selectivity enhancement. This multi-functional design enables the catalyst to simultaneously achieve high atomic utilization, improved catalytic performance, and specific adaptability to carbon dioxide reduction reactions
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 bismuth-copper single-atom alloy catalyst achieves a high selectivity of 73.4% for multi-carbon products, offering a new approach for efficient carbon dioxide conversion.
Implementation Method 1
Single-atom alloy catalysts in which one metal is distributed in another base metal in a low-concentration single-atom form... Better catalytic performance can be obtained advantageously through an adjustment effect of single-atom doped metal on an electronic structure of the base metal
Implementation Method 2
Better catalytic performance can be obtained advantageously through an adjustment effect of single-atom doped metal on an electronic structure of the base metal or a possible synergistic effect between different metals
Implementation Method 3
Metallic copper is the only catalyst capable of directly reducing carbon dioxide to a high value-added multi-carbon compound under high current efficiency and selectivity due to its moderate adsorption capacity of carbon monoxide and hydrogen
Implementation Method 4
electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide can be coupled with renewable energy, which is one of the most promising ways
Implementation Method 5
electrocatalytic reduction reaction of carbon dioxide... selectivity of electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide to a multi-carbon product can be improved
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a bismuth-copper single-atom alloy catalyst, a preparation method and an application thereof. The catalyst includes copper nanoparticles and bismuth atoms. The copper nanoparticles are of a polycrystalline structure, and the bismuth atoms are dispersed in the copper nanoparticles in a single-atom form. The catalyst is prepared by means of thermal decomposing the metal complex and the followed in-situ electroreduction. The preparation method of the bismuth-copper single-atom alloy catalyst of the present invention is simple to operate, and the single-atom bismuth content is adjustable. The single-atom bismuth content can be adjusted by changing reaction conditions. By means of loading mutually isolated bismuth atoms on the copper nanoparticles, the electronic state of copper atoms is adjusted, such that an ability of bismuth-copper single-atom alloy to catalyze carbon-carbon coupling is improved, so as to obtain a higher selectivity of electrocatalytically reducing carbon dioxide to a multi-carbon product, providing a new way for efficient conversion of carbon dioxide.