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Assignment sample solution of CHEM631 - Electrochemistry and Catalysis

Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide: Catalysts and Reaction Pathways

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Chemistry Assignment Sample

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Answer :

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a promising strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while producing value-added chemicals and fuels. The process involves converting CO2 into products like carbon monoxide (CO), formic acid, methanol, and hydrocarbons using an electrochemical cell.

Key to this process is the catalyst, which determines the reaction pathway and product selectivity. Catalysts are broadly classified into homogeneous, heterogeneous, and molecular catalysts. Heterogeneous catalysts, such as copper and silver, are widely studied due to their robustness and activity. Copper is particularly versatile, capable of producing multi-carbon products like ethylene and ethanol. Homogeneous catalysts, such as metal complexes, offer high selectivity but face challenges in stability and scalability. Molecular catalysts, including enzymes like formate dehydrogenase, demonstrate exceptional specificity under mild conditions but are limited by operational constraints.

 

The reaction pathways in CO2 reduction involve multiple electron and proton transfers. For instance, CO production requires two electrons and two protons, while methane formation involves eight electrons and eight protons. The competition between hydrogen evolution and CO2 reduction is a significant challenge, necessitating catalysts with high CO2 affinity and suppressed hydrogen evolution activity.
Advances in catalyst design focus on modifying surface properties, incorporating co-catalysts, and developing tandem systems. For example, doping copper with other metals like gold or nickel improves selectivity and stability. Nanostructured catalysts, with enhanced surface area and active sites, further boost performance. Additionally, integrating renewable energy sources with electrochemical systems can enhance sustainability.

 

Despite progress, challenges remain in scaling up the process, understanding reaction mechanisms, and reducing energy requirements. Addressing these issues will enable the practical application of CO2 electroreduction, contributing to carbon-neutral energy systems and sustainable chemical production.