Modification of Copper-based Catalysts with Conductive Polymers for CO2 Conversion with high C2+ selectivity

Modification of Copper-based Catalysts with Conductive Polymers for CO2 Conversion with high C2+ selectivity

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is abundant in our atmosphere, and its conversion to value-added using renewable electricity is currently an active area of investigation at both lab and commercial scale. Previous research has shown that copper-based catalysts can produce a wide range of hydrocarbons through the electrochemical reduction of CO2 under ambient conditions. Herein, we report on the modification of copper-based thin films as composite catalysts by depositing conductive polymers to improve the selectivity of CO2 conversion as well as surface stabilization. The copper layer was thermally evaporated onto PTFE substrates, showing a highly uniform film morphology and thickness with excellent adhesion to the substrate. After the oxidation of Cu layer, a thin film of a conductive polymer was successfully grown with varying thicknesses. The conductive polymer acts as a cocatalyst to support the underlying copper-based catalyst and modify the product selectivity for CO2 conversion towards hydrocarbons and higher alcohols. The thickness and morphology of conductive polymer and Cu-based catalyst films were modified by controlling the parameters of electrodeposition, such as applied potential, duration and composition for the deposition solution.