Copper Hydroxide Composite Electrocatalyst for CO2 Selectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for converting carbon dioxide into multicarbon compounds using copper catalysts suffer from reduced selectivity due to limited active site types, leading to the production of a wide variety of compounds rather than desired multicarbon compounds.
Innovation Solution
An electrocatalyst with a new structure is developed, comprising a first nanostructure of copper hydroxide and a second nanostructure of a metal from Groups 2, 4, or 11 to 14 of the Periodic Table, along with its oxides or hydroxides, to provide an increased number of active site types for carbon dioxide and improved selectivity for multicarbon compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a copper catalyst is used to convert carbon dioxide, then the conversion can be performed at low temperature and atmospheric pressure, but selectivity for multicarbon compounds is reduced due to limited active site types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite catalyst system consisting of copper-based components combined with other metal compounds (such as zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, or gallium oxide). This composite structure creates multiple types of active sites that work synergistically to improve selectivity for multicarbon compounds while maintaining the mild reaction conditions enabled by copper
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies specific local regions of the copper catalyst by introducing other metal compounds at controlled concentrations (e.g., 1-50 wt% of total catalyst mass). These localized modifications create diverse active site types in specific areas of the catalyst, enhancing selectivity without compromising the overall ease of operation
2Device complexity
If a copper catalyst with limited active site types is used, then the reaction conditions remain simple, but catalytic activity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite catalyst materials where copper is combined with other metal compounds to create multiple active site types. This composite approach significantly enhances catalytic activity by providing diverse pathways for carbon dioxide conversion, transforming the catalyst from a simple single-metal system to a sophisticated multi-functional material
Solution Approach 2:
The copper-based catalyst is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains the base catalytic activity of copper while the added metal compounds contribute additional active sites for specific reactions. This multi-functionality allows the catalyst to handle various carbon dioxide conversion pathways with improved overall productivity
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 electrocatalyst achieves improved catalytic activity and selectivity for multicarbon compounds, enhancing current densities and reaction efficiency in the conversion of carbon dioxide.
Implementation Method 1
A method of electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide by a copper catalyst may be performed at a low temperature of 100° C. or less
Implementation Method 2
By the copper catalyst, carbon dioxide may be converted into hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, etc.
Implementation Method 3
The copper catalyst includes active sites that may adsorb carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
An electrocatalyst including: a first nanostructure including copper hydroxide; and a second nanostructure including a metal of Groups 2, 4, or 11 to 14 of the Periodic Table of Elements, other than copper, a metal oxide of the metal, a metal hydroxide of the metal, or a combination thereof, wherein the electrocatalyst is effective to catalyze conversion of carbon dioxide into a multicarbon compound.