Development of multi-metal modified Cu-based catalysts for acidic CO2-to-ethylene electrolysis

Carbon dioxide electroreduction reaction (CO2RR) to valuable chemicals provides a promising pathway for intermittent renewable electricity storage. Ethylene is a particularly desirable CO2RR product due to its largest market size. Most current CO2RR studies have been conducted in alkaline/neutral media, leading to substantial CO2 loss and a high energy penalty for CO2 regeneration. CO2RR in acidic media (i.e. acidic CO2RR) is one promising solution to address the CO2 loss issue; challenging, though, is the kinetically favoured hydrogen evolution reaction and thus low ethylene selectivity in acidic media.In this project, we aim to develop an efficient acidic CO2-to-ethylene electrolysis system through uniting catalyst design and system optimization. Our prior studies (Nature Catalysis, 2022, 5, 564) suggest that metal-doped Cu-based catalysts are promising for promoting ethylene selectivity in acidic CO2RR. Thus, firstly, we aim to develop various multi-metal-doped Cu based catalysts for acidic CO2RR. Secondly, based on the metal-doped catalysts developed, we aim to develop a high-efficiency acidic CO2-to-ethylene electrolysis system with high ethylene selectivity at high current density, and CO2 utilization efficiency through optimization of cathode preparation techniques and electrolysis systems. Finally, we will establish the structure-property relations of multi-metal-doped Cu-based catalysts towards acidic CO2RR to ethylene by integrating in situ/operando characterization techniques with theoretical calculations. The successful implementation of this project would contribute to developing acidic CO2-to-ethylene electrolysis technologies for future potential practical applications and Hong Kong's target of achieving carbon neutrality before 2050.