Improved CO Selectivity via Anion Exchange Membrane Electrode Assembly-Type CO2 Electrolysis with an Ionomer-Coated Zn-Based Cathode

Zn is a promising electrocatalyst candidate for CO production via CO2 electrolysis because of the moderate binding energy of ∗COOH intermediate. However, its thermodynamically unstable properties could cause performance degradation, particularly in conventional H-type electrolysis systems where the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inInternational journal of energy research Vol. 2024
Main Authors Kim, Junhyeong, Gyeong Ho Han, Jung Yong Seo, Kang, Minji, Myung-gi Seo, Choi, Youngheon, Soo Young Kim, Ahn, Sang Hyun
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Bognor Regis Hindawi Limited 06.06.2024
Subjects
Anion exchange
Anion exchanging
Anions
Assembly
Carbon dioxide
Catalysts
Cathodes
Electrocatalysts
Electrochemistry
Electrodes
Electrolysis
Electrolytes
Electrons
Interfaces
Ion exchange
Ionomers
Membranes
Morphology
Oxidation
Performance degradation
Spectrum analysis
Zinc
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Summary:Zn is a promising electrocatalyst candidate for CO production via CO2 electrolysis because of the moderate binding energy of ∗COOH intermediate. However, its thermodynamically unstable properties could cause performance degradation, particularly in conventional H-type electrolysis systems where the electrocatalyst is directly in contact with the electrolyte. Herein, we investigate the unstable characteristics of Zn-based cathode and suggest employing the anion exchange membrane electrode assembly- (AEMEA-) type CO2 electrolysis system to mitigate the electrolyte effects and enhance the catalytic performance. Unlike the conventional H-type electrolyzer, an AEMEA-type electrolyzer with a zero-gap configuration could mitigate the electrolyte effects on the cathode, thereby suppressing surface oxidation of the Zn-based cathode during the electrochemical reaction. Furthermore, the anion exchange ionomer layer on the cathode provides numerous ion pathways between catalyst and membrane interfaces and increases catalyst utilization that enhances the activity and selectivity for CO production via CO2 electrolysis. The above results suggest the breakthrough of using unstable materials as a catalyst for CO2 electrolysis and achieving reasonable performance.
ISSN:0363-907X
1099-114X
DOI:10.1155/2024/8984734