National University of Singapore researchers find simpler way to convert CO2
In Singapore, researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS CDE) have demonstrated a simple way to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into high-value products far more efficiently and greener. By coating copper catalysts with films just two to five nanometres thick of biopolymers sourced from seafood shells, wood and other biological waste, the researchers achieved 90% selectivity for multicarbon products at an industrially relevant current density of 1.6 amperes per square centimetre (A/cm2) and maintained 83% selectivity at an even higher current density of 2.2 A/cm2.
These are among the highest figures reported for copper-based CO2 conversion. The biopolymers can also fully replace Nafion and other fluorinated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the catalyst electrode, offering a pathway to cost-effective climate technology with fewer PFAS-containing components. This is pertinent at a time when regulatory phase-outs of forever chemicals are gathering steam worldwide.
Category: Research
