Grant: Canada Research Chairs

Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion to hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals offers a promising solution for the long-term and large-scale storage of renewable electricity and for decarbonizing several heavy industries. Widespread implementation of this technology requires high performance metrics, including production rate, energy efficiency and system stability. In this research program, we aim to develop integrated CO2 capture and conversion systems to increase the overall energy efficiency of the process. We will combine advances in simulation and modelling, material design, and system engineering to address challenges related to integrated CO2 capture and conversion. Our main strategies include: (i) breaking the current density limitation by electrode structure engineering, (ii) improving product selectivity via catalyst surface engineering, and (iii) tuning product selectivity and system stability with pulse electrolysis. Advancing CO2 capture and utilization will be critically important to the decarbonization of chemical and energy sectors. Efficient electrosynthesis of fuels and chemicals from CO2 capture solution will accelerate the global CO2 capture and utilization industry, which is expected to reach many trillions of dollars by 2050. The outcome of this research program will be increased scientific knowledge of how to take CO2 directly from air or industries all the way to net-zero fuels and chemicals; as well as proof-of-concept prototypes that demonstrate one promising avenue along the path to decarbonization.