Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
CU/CU2O INTERFACE NANOSTRUCTURES FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CO2 REDUCTION

Abstract:

A method of electrochemical reduction of CO.sub.2 includes the use of a catalyst of Cu/Cu.sub.2O particles including Cu/Cu.sub.2O interfaces. The catalyst may be included in an electrochemical cell for the conversion of CO.sub.2 to value-added products. The electrochemical cell may include an anode, a cathode including the Cu/Cu.sub.2O particles including Cu/Cu.sub.2O interfaces, and an aqueous medium containing CO.sub.2 or CO.sub.3.sup.-2. The CO.sub.2 or CO.sub.3.sup.-2 is reduced by contacting the Cu/Cu.sub.2O particles with the aqueous medium while supplying electricity to the cell. The conversion of CO.sub.2 by the electrochemical reduction thereof has higher Faradaic Efficiency due to the Cu/Cu.sub.2O interfaces in the Cu/Cu.sub.2O particles.