Stanford researchers have introduced “oxide-derived metal nanoparticles” as a new class of catalysts for electrochemical conversions of both CO2 and CO. Oxide-derived metal nanoparticles efficiently and selectively reduce CO2 to CO and reduce CO to ethanol in ambient temperature aqueous electrolyses. The catalysts outperform conventional materials for CO2 reduction to CO and are the first materials capable of selectively reducing CO to ethanol. This discovery will enable the development of an efficient low-temperature electrolytic device for the conversion of CO2 into ethanol that could be powered by renewable electricity. Stage of Research: Proof-of-concept - demonstrated that oxide-derived nanoparticles of Au Ag and Pd are energetically efficient and selective catalysts for CO2 reduction to CO at ambient temperature; demonstrated that oxide-derived Cu nanoparticles are selective catalysts for electrochemical reduction of CO to ethanol and acetate at ambient temperature. Continued research: Studying the catalytic reaction nanoparticle structures in greater detail. Developing oxide-derived alloy nanoparticles to improve the catalysis further. The next step in development will be to transition to a gas diffusion electrode to optimize catalysis in a configuration suitable for the target application.
1) Novel materials (oxide-derived metal nanoparticles) that outperform metal nanoparticles prepared by conventional methods. 2) Novel transformation: a two-step electrochemical synthesis of ethanol from CO2 (i.e. CO2 reduction to CO followed by CO reduction to ethanol). 3) Resistant to deactivation. 4) Low temperature (ambient temperature). 5) Could be used in conjunction with any renewable electricity source to make liquid carbon fuel from CO2 and H2O. 6) Incentivizes CO2 capture by providing a route to valuable liquid fuel.