Efficient electrosynthesis of n-propanol from carbon monoxide using a Ag–Ru–Cu catalyst

The high-energy-density C₃ fuel n-propanol is desired from CO₂/CO electroreduction, as evidenced by propanol’s high market price per tonne (approximately US$ 1,400–1,600). However, CO electroreduction to n-propanol has shown low selectivity, limited production rates and poor stability. Here we report catalysts, identified using computational screening, that simultaneously facilitate multiple carbon–carbon coupling, stabilize C₂ intermediates and promote CO adsorption, all leading to improved n-propanol electrosynthesis. Experimentally we construct the predicted optimal electrocatalyst based on silver–ruthenium co-doped copper. We achieve, at 300 mA cm⁻², a high n-propanol Faradaic efficiency of 36% ± 3%, a C₂₊ Faradaic efficiency of 93% and single-pass CO conversion of 85%. The system exhibits 100 h stable n-propanol electrosynthesis. Technoeconomic analysis based on the performance of the pilot system projects profitability.