Designing a Zn–Ag Catalyst Matrix and Electrolyzer System for CO<sub>2</sub> Conversion to CO and Beyond
Sarah Lamaison, David Wakerley, Frauke Kracke, Thomas Moore, Lan Zhou, Dong Un Lee, Lei Wang, McKenzie A. Hubert, Jaime E. Avilés Acosta, John M. Gregoire, Eric B. Duoss, Sarah E. Baker, V. A. Beck, Alfred M. Spormann, Marc Fontecave, Christopher Hahn, Thomas F. Jaramillo
Abstract
Abstract CO 2 emissions can be transformed into high‐added‐value commodities through CO 2 electrocatalysis; however, efficient low‐cost electrocatalysts are needed for global scale‐up. Inspired by other emerging technologies, the authors report the development of a gas diffusion electrode containing highly dispersed Ag sites in a low‐cost Zn matrix. This catalyst shows unprecedented Ag mass activity for CO production: − 614 mA cm −2 at 0.17 mg of Ag. Subsequent electrolyte engineering demonstrates that halide anions can further improve stability and activity of the Zn–Ag catalyst, outperforming pure Ag and Au. Membrane electrode assemblies are constructed and coupled to a microbial process that converts the CO to acetate and ethanol. Combined, these concepts present pathways to design catalysts and systems for CO 2 conversion toward sought‐after products.