Speaker
Descrizione
Electrochemical CO₂ reduction (CO₂RR) represents a promising pathway for converting carbon dioxide into useful chemicals. However, conventional systems are limited by the inherently low solubility of CO₂ in aqueous electrolytes and by the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which reduces efficiency.
To address these challenges, we have designed and implemented a novel experimental platform in which the phase of CO₂ (gas or liquid) is a controllable parameter. By integrating thermoelectric (Peltier) cooling, the system enables in situ CO₂ liquefaction and electrochemical operation under liquid-CO₂-rich conditions. The higher density of liquid CO₂ enhances reactant availability at the electrode surface, while the use of non-aqueous electrolytes contributes to suppressing HER. In our recent work [1], we demonstrated the feasibility of CO₂ electroreduction in liquid CO₂, achieving promising selectivity toward carbon monoxide under low-temperature conditions.
The presentation will introduce the development of the experimental platform and discuss key open scientific and technological questions concerning the effects of CO₂ phase, temperature, pressure, electrolyte composition, and electrode design on CO₂ conversion.
Overall, the proposed platform provides a versatile tool for electrochemical reactions in variable and extreme thermodynamic conditions. This research opens new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across electrochemistry, thermal engineering, materials science, analytical chemistry, and modelling.
References:
[1] Barile, A., Myadzelets, D., Lorusso, G., Mazzaro, R. Low-temperature CO2 reduction in liquid CO2 medium. (Under submission)
| Giovane Ricercatore (under 40) | No |
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