Scientists Discover Greener and More Efficient Method To Turn Carbon Dioxide Into Fuel

By Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
September 12, 2024

Scientists have enhanced CO2 reduction to ethanol by using copper nanocubes coated with zinc oxide, improving efficiency and stability. This innovative method offers a sustainable, cost-effective way to produce ethanol from CO2.

A new study reveals that scientists have successfully utilized a combination of copper and zinc oxide to enhance the catalytic reduction of CO2 into ethanol. Traditionally, this process has relied solely on copper-based catalysts under stationary reaction conditions, which do not guarantee optimal ethanol selectivity. Pulsed CO2RR offers a promising alternative by altering these conditions, but the catalyst’s stability can be compromised by the more demanding reaction environment, negatively impacting its performance.

This new research highlights the benefits of using pulsed electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) techniques. Moreover, the team discovered that by adding a zinc oxide shell to the copper oxide nanocubes, it is possible to increase the production of ethanol while minimizing unwanted by-products such as hydrogen.

Especially it was possible to achieve similar, if not superior, results in ethanol production with respect to pure Cu catalysts, but with significantly less demanding reaction conditions. In the past, the oxidation process of the catalyst involved in pulsed CO2 reduction was found to lead to the loss of Cu atoms via oxidative dissolution in the liquid medium (electrolyte), reducing its effectiveness over time.

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