Hydrolysis of Electrolyte Cations Enhances the Electrochemical Reduction of CO 2 over Ag and Cu
University of Illinois Chicago · Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory · +2 more institutions
Abstract
Electrolyte cation size is known to influence the electrochemical reduction of CO2 over metals; however, a satisfactory explanation for this phenomenon has not been developed. We report here that these effects can be attributed to a previously unrecognized consequence of cation hydrolysis occurring in the vicinity of the cathode. With increasing cation size, the pKa for cation hydrolysis decreases and is sufficiently low for hydrated K+, Rb+, and Cs+ to serve as buffering agents. Buffering lowers the pH near the cathode, leading to an increase in the local concentration of dissolved CO2. The consequences of these changes are an increase in cathode activity, a decrease in Faradaic efficiencies for H2 and CH4,…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 20.30
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 32
Authors
5- MRMeenesh R. SinghCorresponding
University of Illinois Chicago, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis
- YKYoungkook Kwon
Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis
- YLYanwei Lum
Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- JWJoel W. Ager
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis
- ATAlexis T. Bell
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis
Topics & keywords
- Chemistry
- Electrolyte
- Electrochemistry
- Hydrolysis
- Cathode
- Faraday efficiency
- Inorganic chemistry
- Supporting electrolyte
- Clean water and sanitation