Electrochemical Studies for CO2 Reduction Using Synthesized Co3O4 (Anode) and Cu2O (Cathode) as Electrocatalysts

• Published in: Energy & fuels 2015-10, Vol.29 (10), p.6670-6677
• Main Authors: Yadav, V. S. K, Purkait, M. K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0887-0624; 1520-5029
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.5b01656

This work discusses the electrocatalytic effect of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) as an anode in reduction of CO2 to products electrochemically (RCPE) on cuprous oxide (Cu2O). Powders of Cu2O and Co3O4 were synthesized from nitrates of their respective salts by the electrodeposition method. RCPE was studied using CO2 dissolved in 0.5 M KHCO3 solution at different applied voltages (1.5–3.5 V) and time intervals of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 min. CO2 was reduced to different products, such as formic acid, formaldehyde, propanol, acetic acid, methanol, and ethanol, as major products in the presence of synthesized electrocatalysts. Ethanol was produced as the main reduced product from CO2 with high Faradaic efficiencies at different applied voltages. At 1.5 and 2 V, maximum Faradaic efficiencies of 76.31 and 96.15% for ethanol were obtained in 5 min of reaction. This study reveals the capability of synthesizing electrocatalysts and its application toward reduction of CO2 to ethanol with high Faradaic efficiency.