Electrospinning Highly Dispersed Ru Nanoparticle-Embedded Carbon Nanofibers Boost CO₂ Reduction in a H₂/CO₂ Fuel Cell

Abstract

A H2/CO2 fuel cell is a promising device that can convert CO2 into hydrocarbon fuel with electricity generation. Herein, a facile electrospinning method has been used to synthesize the embedded Ru-CNF catalyst in which Ru nanoparticles are dispersed homogeneously within N-doped carbon nanofibers. This catalyst exhibits a high CH4 production rate of 308.46 μmol gcat –1 h–1 at 170 °C, which is superior to that of the Ru/CNF (242.53 μmol gcat –1 h–1) and Ru/CNT (194.24 μmol gcat –1 h–1). The enhanced CO2RR performance of Ru-CNF is ascribed to the well-distributed Ru nanoparticles within the CNF matrix and synergistic effect of Ru sites with N species, which results in forming the increased CO2RR active sites, hence improving the catalytic activity. Simultaneously, it can achieve a peak power density of 1.8 W m–2 on the strength of anodic (H2 oxidation) and cathodic (CO2 reduction and H2 evolution) reactions with remarkable stability. Such findings give a theoretical basis of CO2RR in the H2/CO2 fuel cell system, which could hold great value to further develop the high-efficiency catalysts for CO2 reduction.

Review on CO2 Management: From CO2 Sources, Capture, and Conversion to Future Perspectives of Gas-Phase Electrochemical Conversion and Utilization

“…From an encouraging perspective, looking at CO 2 as an environmental problem can be transformed into an economic opportunity through current progress in CO 2 utilization. More recently, galvanic cells based on CO 2 reduction in the cathode, instead of O 2 , in rechargeable Li/CO 2 batteries, − CO 2 /H 2 fuel cells, − or even CH 4 /CO 2 –O 2 fuel cells , have been developed. These ideas fascinatingly provide dual beneficial effects: decreasing CO 2 in the atmosphere while at the same time generating electricity.…”

Electrocatalytic and Photocatalytic CO2 Methanation: From Reaction Fundamentals to Catalyst Developments

“…[59] The Cu δ + /Cu 0 ratio of electrocatalysts can be Figure 2. Schematic illustrations, TEM, XRD, and XAS analyses of (a) electrodeposition, [59] Copyright (2022), with permission from Wiley; (b) electrospinning, [63] Copyright (2021), with permission from American Chemical Society; (c) hydrothermal, [64] Copyright (2022), with permission from American Chemical Society, and (d-e) polyol, [43] Copyright (2023), reproduced with permission from American Chemical Society.…”

Experimental and Theoretical Advances on Single Atom and Atomic Cluster‐Decorated Low‐Dimensional Platforms towards Superior Electrocatalysts

“…First, the difference between simulation Adapted with permission. [205] Copyright 2021, American Chemical Society. D) Current-potential curves in abiotic electrochemical cells based on chronoamperometry tests.…”

“…In this regards, Yongning Liu and coworkers have successfully functionalized N‐doped carbon nanofibers with Ru atomic clusters (Ru‐CNFs) in order to fabricate ultraefficient cathodes for H 2 /CO 2 fuel cells ( Figure 14 A). [ 205 ] The polarization and power density curves of the H 2 /CO 2 fuel cell were studied at different operating temperatures (Figure 14B). Remarkably, the cell delivered a maximum power density of 0.25 W m −2 at 80 °C.…”

“…B) Polarization and power density curves of the H 2 /CO 2 fuel cell. C) Cathodic reaction selectivity for CO 2 RR and the HER, and the corresponding production rates for CH 4 at different temperatures from 80 to 200 °C.Adapted with permission [205]. Copyright 2021, American Chemical Society.…”