insights into the electrochemical reduction of co2 …...c nmr for liquid phase products kuhl, k.p.,...

Insights into the electrochemical reduction of CO2 on tin electrodes

Jeremy T. Feaster Global Climate and Energy Project Conference

October 13, 2015

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Sn Electrodes

for CO2 Reduction

Motivation: Why CO2

Reduction?

Identifying Questions to Answer

Design & Execution

Analysis of Results

Key Findings & Takeaways

Summary

It makes sense economically

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20M 45M 32M

Oil refineries (hydrogen)

Corn ethanol (fermentation)

Natural gas fields (CO2 removal)

tCO2 / yr:

Value: $10B $18B $12B

Calculations provided by Opus 12

$30-40 billion left on the table

Electroreduction of CO2

• Selectivity • Activity

• Stability • Energy efficiency

Kuhl, K.P., et al. J.A.C.S. 2014 4

Key areas to improve

Products formed from CO2

5 Calculations provided by Opus 12

Key Question Why is tin (Sn) such a good catalyst for

formic acid production?

Formic Acid

Acetic Acid Methanol Ethanol Propanol

Custom Electrochemical Cell

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Gas chromatography for gas phase products

1H, 13C NMR for liquid phase products

Kuhl, K.P., et al. J.A.C.S. 2014

CO2 reduction on Sn electrodes

7 Feaster, J.T., et al. In prep. 2015

How does CO2 reduction on Sn compare to other metals?

Formic Acid (HCOOH)

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Hydrogen (H2)

Reversible Hydrogen Electrode (RHE):

H2 <--> 2 H+ + 2 e- E0 = 0 V

Maximum HCOOH production

Understanding Sn CO2 reduction

8 Feaster, J.T., et al. In prep. 2015

Strong Binding

Weak Binding

Understanding Sn CO2 reduction

9 Feaster, J.T., et al. In prep. 2015

Strong Binding

Weak Binding

Understanding Sn CO2 reduction

10 Feaster, J.T., et al. In prep. 2015

Strong Binding

Weak Binding

Putting it all together

11 Feaster, J.T., et al. In prep. 2015

Summary

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Thoroughly investigated Sn CO2 reduction as a function of potential Identified the primary factor for high

selectivity for formate production on Sn (optimal *OCHO binding energy) Proposed a mechanism that takes into

account both oxygen and carbon binding energies

Acknowledgements

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The Jaramillo Group Special thanks to: • Toru Hatsukade • Dr. Etosha Cave • Dr. David Abram • Dr. Jakob Kibsgaard • Dr. Chris Hahn • Dr. Kendra P. Kuhl • Dr. Annelie Jongerius • Dr. Thomas F. Jaramillo The Nørskov Group • Dr. Chuan Shi • Dr. Joseph Montoya The Cargnello Group • Joshua Willis

Funding Sources • National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship • NSF CAREER Award under Grant #0924484 • The Global Climate Energy Project at Stanford University

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Questions?