Catalysts with Tunable Electrocatalytic Behavior for CO₂ Conversion

Catalysts with Tunable Electrocatalytic Behavior for CO₂ Conversion

Efficient and Flexible Electrochemical Systems for Tailored Carbon Utilization

The Challenge

Carbon reuse is critical for achieving a sustainable economy, yet current technologies for CO₂ electrochemical conversion systems (CESs) face major barriers:

• Low Product Selectivity: Conventional catalysts produce complex mixtures, requiring additional separation processes.


• Rigid Systems: CESs must be redesigned for each product, increasing development costs and reducing flexibility.


• Economic Constraints: Profitable CO₂ utilization requires catalysts that maximize desirable products while minimizing energy consumption and byproduct formation.

These issues hinder the scalability and economic viability of carbon utilization technologies.

How It Works

This innovation introduces a supported-metal catalyst with tunable electrocatalytic properties for CO₂ conversion at intermediate temperatures:

1. Catalyst Composition: Sm₂O₃-doped-CeO₂ (SDC) supports dispersed iridium (Ir) in adjustable size regimes, allowing precise control of catalytic behavior.


2. Tunable Electrocatalytic Behavior: By varying the size of Ir particles:
   
   
   
   • Nanoparticles (SDC/Ir-Ir): Favor CH₄ production.
   
   
   • Single Atoms (SDC/Ir-O): Promote CO production.
   
   
   
   


3. Selective Product Control: Adjusting Ir size enables the production of CO, CH₄, or mixtures with specific ratios, without altering CES components.

This approach maximizes product flexibility and efficiency while simplifying system design and operation.

Key Advantages

• High Selectivity: Produces target chemicals with minimal byproducts, improving energy efficiency and reducing separation costs.


• Flexibility: Easily switches product outputs (e.g., CO or CH₄) by tuning catalyst properties, eliminating the need for structural CES redesigns.


• Cost Efficiency: Avoids additional R&D expenses for new catalyst compositions or CES designs.


• Scalable Solution: Supports diverse industries with varying product requirements, adapting to multiple applications.

Market Applications

• Carbon-Intensive Industries: Emitters like power plants and refineries can convert CO₂ into valuable chemicals on-site.


• Chemical Manufacturing: Supports the production of CO (a precursor for fuels and polymers) and CH₄ (a renewable energy source).


• Carbon Utilization Economics: Enhances the profitability of CO₂ capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) initiatives.

INL’s Technology Deployment department focuses solely on licensing intellectual property and collaborating with industry partners who can commercialize our innovations.

We do not engage in purchasing, procurement, or hiring external services for technology development. Our objective is to connect with companies interested in licensing and bringing our technologies to market.