FIB/SEM Nanotomography of a CO_2 Electrolyzer Cathode Catalyst Layer

摘要

Silver catalysts have demonstrated selective reduction of CO_2 to CO. CO produced by this reaction could replace fossil fuel derived CO as a feedstock for fuels and value added chemicals. Furthermore, gas diffusion electrodes based on silver catalyst have additionally achieved high current density. Thus, the foundation for development of this promising defossilization strategy has been laid. In order to implement this strategy it is necessary to optimize catalyst layers to improve their durability and efficiency. At the same time, current density and selectivity need to be maintained. Detailed understanding of the electrodes is necessary to achieve these goals. In particular, the wetting parameters and the delicate balance of molecular and ionic transport needs to be investigated. We posit that in analogy to fuel cells, resolving the catalyst layers is essential.