G. Kayode, M. Montemore, J.B. Scott, I. Seim, M. Yang
Tulane University,
United States
Keywords: Carbon capture and utilization (CCU), catalysis, sustainability, renewable chemistry, renewable ethanol
Summary:
A new catalyst co-developed by Tulane and Clemson Universities can produce liquid C2+ oxygenates, such as ethanol, from carbon dioxide. Its efficiency is promising for converting a harmful greenhouse gas into valuable chemicals. Copper (Cu) is a versatile catalyst, but its efficiency is often limited for this process. The new catalyst is a three-metal alloy which is superior to copper on its own. Preliminary work found that a single-atom Y1Cu alloy effectively converts CO2 to CO but struggles with further hydrogenation to multi-carbon species. In parallel, single-atom Pd1Cu does not significantly enhance CO2 activation but promotes C-C coupling and oxygenate formation. The dual-atom alloy strategy combining Y and Pd on copper surfaces significantly improves reactivity. The Y1Pd1Cu catalyst achieves a total current density of 172 mA/cm² and a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 72.2% at –1.1 V vs. RHE, outperforming the Cu-only catalyst and single-atom alloy predecessors. Benefits include: • Production of useful chemicals, such as ethanol, from the greenhouse gas CO2. • Enhanced electrochemical reduction of CO2 to valuable C2+ oxygenates, compared to existing catalysts. • Higher current density and Faradaic efficiency compared to single-atom and monometallic catalysts. Applications include: • Commercial production of ethanol from CO2. • Sustainable chemical manufacturing. • Environmental mitigation technologies. • Industrial CO2 reduction and conversion processes. Tulane and Clemson seek a partner for direct licensing or an entrepreneur to build a business around this technology. Patent applications are pending.