Designing a Zn-Ag Catalyst Matrix and Electrolyzer System for CO<sub>2</sub> Conversion to CO and Beyond.

Lamaison, Sarah; Wakerley, David; Kracke, Frauke; Moore, Thomas; Zhou, Lan; Lee, Dong Un; Wang, Lei; Hubert, McKenzie A et al. · Adv Mater · 2022

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

CO<sub>2</sub> emissions can be transformed into high-added-value commodities through CO<sub>2</sub> electrocatalysis; however, efficient low-cost electrocatalysts are needed for global scale-up. Inspired by other emerging technologies, the authors report the development of a gas diffusion electrode containing highly dispersed Ag sites in a low-cost Zn matrix. This catalyst shows unprecedented Ag mass activity for CO production: -614 mA cm<sup>-2</sup> at 0.17 mg of Ag. Subsequent electrolyte engineering demonstrates that halide anions can further improve stability and activity of the Zn-Ag catalyst, outperforming pure Ag and Au. Membrane electrode assemblies are constructed and coupled to a microbial process that converts the CO to acetate and ethanol. Combined, these concepts present pathways to design catalysts and systems for CO<sub>2</sub> conversion toward sought-after products.