Uncovering the anodic processes in one pot organic CO2 reductions
In the contemporary quest for sustainable energy solutions, reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable organic compounds stands at the forefront of green chemistry and electrochemical research. This endeavour addresses the pressing issue of greenhouse gas accumulation and promises to transform CO2 into a resource for synthesising fuels and chemicals, contributing to a circular carbon economy.
Using organic electrolytes instead of water offers several benefits, including a wider electrochemical window, enhanced CO₂ solubility, and the possibility of selective product formation. However, a significant drawback of organic electrolytes is that most commercially available membranes used in electrolysis systems are not stable in organic electrolytes. This limitation necessitates the use of a one-pot organic electrolysis system, where the cathode and anode are not separated by a membrane.
The cathode process in organic media is generally understood, as it is known that the reactant being reduced is carbon dioxide on the anode; however, it is unclear what is being oxidised. This could threaten the system's stability precisely when, for example, the supporting salt or the electrolyte's solvent is oxidised.
Thus, despite their importance, anodic reactions in organic electrolytes often receive less attention than cathodic reductions, leaving a gap in comprehensive process optimisation. This research, therefore, presents a unique and intriguing opportunity to delve into this unexplored area.
This assignment will uncover the anodic processes involved in one-pot electrochemical CO2 reductions in organic media. The nature of anodic reactions will be investigated by varying the solvent, supporting salts, and electrode (anode) materials.
During this assignment, you will employ various techniques to investigate this process, such as in-situ Raman and infrared spectroscopy to investigate the process on the catalytic surface, online gas chromatography, and (offline) NMR spectroscopy to investigate production formation.
Daily Supervisor: A. Berghuis (a.berghuis@utwente.nl)