About This Project

A carbon-negative strategy is the need of the hour to reduce atmospheric CO2 without compromising the manufacturing of essential chemicals. Here, we are proposing to develop a renewable energy-operated CO2 electrolyzer that will capture and consequently convert CO2 to carbon monoxide (CO). CO is a widely used carbon feedstock, which is converted into several high-value chemicals in industry. Hence, an energy-efficient CO2 electrolyzer can aid our quest for a carbon-negative paradigm.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

CO2 is a key player in the atmosphere, and it critically regulates the planet's environment via photosynthesis. Nevertheless, the augmentation of atmospheric CO₂ levels resulting from anthropogenic activities, including the combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial operations, have adverse consequences for both the environment and human beings, such as climate change and health effects. In order to address the adverse impacts of carbon dioxide, there is a worldwide endeavour to decrease greenhouse gas emissions via various initiatives such as the Paris Agreement, the adoption of cleaner energy sources, and the implementation of enhanced conservation and sustainability measures.

What is the significance of this project?

Leading technologies are being searched for combating the imminent CO2 threat. Implementing carbon capture, utilization, and storage is a prime process for limiting CO₂ emissions. Carbon capture via amines, hydrates, and geological storage are all in use; however, conversion of CO₂ combined with renewable energy may be a key step towards achieving carbon neutrality. Carbon capture and conversion has emerged as a viable technology that can effectively recycle carbon resources. The CO₂RR's target product, CO, is a prominent CO₂ reduction product since it takes little energy in terms of electrons and may be utilized as a feedstock for a variety of products in various sectors, including the fuel and chemical industries, the metal industry, and biotechnology.

What are the goals of the project?

CO₂-electrolyzer is a leading tool for carbon capture and utilization, which provides a solution to reduce CO₂ to CO. CO is a reactive feedstock for a wide number of value-added products in a variety of industries. Integrating a CO₂-electrolyzer into a carbon capture system can be an optimal approach to utilize the sequestered CO₂. Here, a bioengineered metalloenzyme mimic will drive an electrolyzer that can continuously convert CO₂ to different useful products with a minimal carbon footprint. Large-scale CO₂ to CO conversion can be accomplished by designing an electrolyzer with a high current density, low cell voltage, high Faradaic efficiency, and high conversion rate. Therefore, designing and optimization of these parameters are critical for the electrolyser’s operation.