In a significant stride toward more efficient carbon capture and utilization, researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel approach to enhance the interaction between catalysts and CO2, potentially revolutionizing the energy sector. Published in the journal *Nature Communications* (which translates to “Nature Communications”), the study led by Hengzhou Liu from the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University introduces a method that could make the process of converting captured CO2 into valuable fuels and fuel intermediates more energy-efficient and commercially viable.
The team’s research focuses on electrified reactive capture systems, which transform CO2 directly from carbonate capture liquid into products like syngas and ethylene. Previous systems faced a decline in Faradaic efficiencies (FE) at higher current densities, limiting their practical applications. However, Liu and his colleagues have identified the chemical origins of this problem and devised a solution that could change the game.
“Prior electrocatalyst designs failed to arrest, activate, and reduce in situ-generated CO2 before it traversed the catalyst layer and entered the tailgas stream,” Liu explained. To address this, the researchers developed a templated synthesis to define pore structures and the sites of Ni single atoms. They found that carbon-nitrogen-based nanopores are effective in accumulating i-CO2 via short-range, non-electrostatic interactions between CO2 molecules and the nanochannel walls. These interactions confine and enrich i-CO2 within the pores, enhancing its binding and activation.
The results are impressive. The team reported carbonate electrolysis at 300 mA/cm2 with FE to CO of 50% ± 3%, and with less than 1% CO2 in the tailgas outlet stream. This corresponds to a projected energy efficiency (EE) to 2:1 syngas of 46% at 300 mA/cm2 when H2 is added using a water electrolyzer.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. More efficient CO2 capture and conversion could lead to significant reductions in energy costs and environmental impact. “This research opens up new possibilities for the commercialization of CO2 capture and utilization technologies,” Liu noted. “By enhancing the interaction between catalysts and CO2, we can make the process more efficient and cost-effective, paving the way for broader adoption in the energy industry.”
The study not only addresses a critical challenge in the field but also sets the stage for future developments. As the world seeks sustainable energy solutions, innovations like this one could play a pivotal role in shaping a greener, more efficient energy landscape. The research highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential of advanced materials science to drive technological advancements in the energy sector.