Ag-Cu co-catalyst nanomesh structures for CO2 electrocatalysis to C2+ molecules

The rapid industrialization and rising energy demand have led to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide, one of these greenhouse gases, has played a major role in global warming. Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction offers a promising carbon-neutral method to convert CO₂ into valuable chemicals and fuels, including CO, CH₄, formic acid, ethylene, and alcohols, for industrial and energy applications.

Most CO₂ reduction studies focus on individual catalysts like Au and Ag, which are restricted to single-carbon products such as CO, whereas Cu as a unique catalyst makes variety of C₂+ products. At imec we see this as a huge opportunity for new technology development that transforms CO₂ from a major global warming contributor to a valuable economic precursor by using our state-of-the-art nanotechnology platform. We have successfully developed a 3D nano architecture material electrode with few microns thickness and high surface area, called Nanomesh.

In this project, we will focus on the development of a metallic nanomesh electrode for the CO₂ reduction. To achieve optimal results, the nanomesh electrode will be developed using co-catalysts such as Ag and Cu, incorporating various combinations of pure metal layers (multilayer). During the master’s thesis, the student will gain hands-on experience in the innovative electrochemical deposition of multilayer nanostructures from single bath and characterization techniques, and physical analysis methods such as SEM and XRF. The student will also evaluate the material's potential as a Next-Gen catalyst for CO₂ reduction. The complete experimental work will be conducted at the electrochemistry Labs at imec, Leuven. 

For more information on this topic, please contact- Anupam.Tripathy@imec.be