Core-Shell Vacancy Catalyst for CO2 Reduction Selectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalyst systems for electrochemical CO2 reduction have low selectivity for producing multi-carbon alcohols, with conventional catalysts often favoring the production of ethylene over alcohols, limiting the efficiency and commercial viability of converting CO2 into valuable carbon-based fuels.

Innovation Solution

A core-shell catalyst system is developed, comprising a copper sulphide core and a copper shell with intentional vacancies, which enhances the selectivity for multi-carbon alcohol production by increasing the energy barrier for ethylene production while maintaining ethanol pathway efficiency, achieved through a core-shell structure with a specific Cu/S molar ratio and controlled sulphur distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If catalyst structure is simplified, then manufacturing ease is improved, but catalytic selectivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalyst fabrication simplicityVSAvoidproduct selectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst structure is designed to self-assemble through controlled synthesis processes where precursor materials spontaneously form the core-shell architecture with appropriate facet exposure and defect distribution, reducing the need for complex post-synthesis processing while achieving high selectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The synthesis protocol incorporates preliminary steps such as controlled nucleation, oriented attachment, and in-situ reduction that pre-establish the desired core-shell structure, facet orientation, and defect sites before the catalytic reaction begins, ensuring high selectivity without complex manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system achieves a 6-fold increase in the alcohol-to-ethylene ratio and a 1.6 times enhancement in C2+ alcohol production rate, with a selectivity of 32% Faradaic efficiency, significantly improving the commercial relevance of CO2 reduction to multi-carbon alcohols like ethanol and propanol.

Implementation Method 1

electrocatalyzing conversion of CO2 into multi-carbon hydrocarbons and/or alcohols

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reduction: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

catalyst system for electrocatalyzing conversion of CO2 into multi-carbon alcohols or other hydrocarbons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

a shell having a lower sulphur content than the core and that is composed of a metal with vacancies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacancy engineering:

Implementation Method 4

increasing the energy barrier for ethylene production

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy barrier modulation:

Data Source

PatentEP3791010B1Core/shell-vacancy engineering (CSVE) of catalysts for electrochemical co2 reduction

Publication Date: 2023.03.29 TOTALENERGIES ONETECH

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Figure 3a~3g

AI summary

The invention relates to a catalyst system for electrocatalyzing conversion of CO2 into multi-carbon hydrocarbons and/or alcohols, and to the method to produce it. The catalyst comprises a core-shell structure comprising a core that is composed of metal sulphide and a shell that is composed of a metal with vacancies.