Diamond-like Carbon Supported Copper Catalyst for CO2 Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The abrupt interface CO2 electroreduction catalyst described in Patent Document 1 has low Faradaic efficiency for C2 and/or C3 compounds.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst comprising copper particles supported on the surface of diamond-like carbon particles, with a coverage of 30% or more and 70% or less, and average particle diameters of 5 nm to 50 nm for diamond-like carbon and 0.5 nm to 1.2 nm for copper particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a catalyst layer is made thin to prevent diffusion limitations of CO2, then CO2 transport is improved, but the Faradaic efficiency of C2 and C3 compounds decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material composition parameters of the catalyst layer by incorporating diamond-like carbon particles with specific surface areas (5-50 m²/g) and controlling copper particle size (0.5-1.2 nm) and coverage (30-70%). These parameter optimizations enable the catalyst layer to maintain both high CO2 permeability and high Faradaic efficiency for C2-C4 compounds, resolving the contradiction between transport efficiency and product selectivity.
2Productivity
If copper particle coverage is increased to enhance CO2 conversion, then catalytic activity is improved, but the Faradaic efficiency of C2 and C3 compounds decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the copper particle coverage parameter to a specific range (30-70%) on the diamond-like carbon particle surface. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient copper exposure for CO2 conversion while maintaining appropriate spacing for C-C bond formation, achieving both high productivity and high Faradaic efficiency for C2-C4 compounds simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite catalyst structure combining diamond-like carbon particles with copper particles dispersed on their surface. This composite structure leverages the unique properties of both materials: diamond-like carbon provides a stable support with controlled surface area, while copper particles catalyze CO2 reduction. The composite architecture enables simultaneous achievement of high CO2 conversion and high selectivity for C2-C4 compounds.
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 improves the Faradaic efficiency of C2 and/or C3 compounds by facilitating the formation of carbon-carbon bonds, while also enhancing the Faradaic efficiency of hydrogen through electrolytic reduction of water.
Implementation Method 1
copper particles supported on a surface of a diamond-like carbon particle... used for electrolytic reduction of carbon dioxide and/or carbon monoxide
Implementation Method 2
electrolytic reduction of carbon dioxide and/or carbon monoxide
Implementation Method 3
facilitating the formation of carbon-carbon bonds
Data Source
AI summary
A catalyst is provided. The catalyst used for electrolytic reduction of carbon dioxide and/or carbon monoxide includes copper particles supported on a surface of a diamond-like carbon particle, a part of the surface of the diamond-like carbon particle being covered with the copper particles.