Grant: Alliance Grants

The electrochemical synthesis of useful chemicals such as syngas, ethylene, and ethanol has seen significant progress in recent years. These advances hold promise for the electrification of chemical manufacturing and production of low-carbon intensity feedstocks. The production of C3 products n-propanol and propylene, however, has not seen similar progress, due to a poor understanding of a broader set of potential reaction pathways. In partnership with TotalEnergies, we will explore potential pathways to C3 products, and investigate the mechanisms of the reaction, and consider how these may lead to performance breakthroughs in terms of Faradaic efficiency. This project brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers, encompassing chemical, mechanical, and materials engineers, from the University of Toronto and global industrial partner TotalEnergies. Leveraging computational modeling, experimental validation, and materials characterization, we aim to propel this technology forward and prepare it for demonstration, fostering the growth of a global market for made-in-Canada electrocatalytic systems tailored for electrochemical CO-to-C3 conversion.