Singaporean researchers make discoveries regarding electrochemical CO2 reduction

In Singapore, photosynthesis is the natural process of converting carbon dioxide (CO2) to useable chemical compounds. In contrast, carbon capture and utilization technologies through processes such as electrochemical CO2 reduction (eCO2R) are the man-made equivalents that could enable the chemical industry to convert its current CO2 waste to useful products.

While eCO2R is not a new technique, the challenge has always been the inability to control the distribution of products formed into more useful commodity chemicals such as ethanol and methanol.

Researchers from the Cambridge Center for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore (CARES) have used carbon isotopes to trace intermediates during eCO2R, thereby shedding light on the complex formation pathways for the desired products. The research is published in the journal Nature Catalysis.

This will allow scientists to create more selective catalysts, exert control over product selectivity, and promote eCO2R as a more promising production method for chemicals and fuels in the low-carbon economy.