中文版本

Opportunity  

The electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into valuable chemicals is a promising approach for carbon recycling and renewable energy storage. However, existing methods primarily focus on two-electron reduction processes, producing limited products like carbon monoxide (CO) or formate (HCOO⁻). Industrial-scale conversion of CO₂ into methanol (MeOH) via a six-electron reduction pathway remains challenging due to low Faradaic efficiency (FE) and mixed product yields. Traditional copper-based catalysts, while capable of multi-electron reduction, often yield complex product mixtures requiring costly separation processes. Molecular catalysts like cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) have shown potential but suffer from marginal methanol FE (typically <5%) when="" supported="" on="" multi-walled="" carbon="" nanotubes="" (mwcnts).="" the="" industry="" urgently="" needs="" a="" cost-effective="" and="" efficient="" solution="" to="" enhance="" methanol="" selectivity="" and="" catalytic="" activity="" without="" complex="" chemical="">

Technology  

This patent introduces an innovative method to enhance the catalytic activity of molecular catalysts by altering their curvature using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The process involves dispersing molecular catalysts (e.g., cobalt phthalocyanine, nickel phthalocyanine) on SWCNTs, which induce a controlled curvature in the catalyst’s active sites through non-parallel π-π interactions. The curvature disrupts the planar configuration of the catalyst, optimizing the binding affinity for CO₂ intermediates and facilitating efficient methanol production. Key steps include:  

1. Dispersion: The molecular catalyst and SWCNT are sonicated in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) to achieve uniform distribution.  
2. Curvature Induction: SWCNTs with diameters smaller than the catalyst (e.g., 1–6 nm) create a bent configuration in the active sites, enhancing electron transfer and intermediate stabilization.  
3. Enhanced Catalysis: The distorted active sites exhibit higher methanol FE (up to 53.2%) compared to flat configurations (e.g., CoPc/MWCNT, FE ~16.8%).  

The technology leverages SWCNTs’ tunable dimensions to fine-tune curvature, enabling scalable and precise control over catalytic performance for CO₂ reduction and oxygen reduction reactions (ORR).

Advantages  

• High Methanol Selectivity: Achieves up to 53.2% Faradaic efficiency for methanol, a 3.2-fold improvement over traditional flat catalysts.  
• Tunable Catalysis: SWCNT diameter (1–6 nm) directly correlates with curvature degree (1°–96°), allowing customizable activity.  
• Cost-Effective: Avoids complex chemical modifications; uses readily available SWCNTs and molecular catalysts.  
• Versatility: Applicable to various metal phthalocyanines (Co, Ni, Fe) and reactions (CO₂RR, ORR).  
• Scalability: Demonstrated in both H-cell and flow electrolyzer configurations, with current densities up to 350 mA/cm².  

Applications  

• Carbon Recycling: Efficient conversion of CO₂ to methanol for green fuel production.  
• Fuel Cells: Enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for energy storage.  
• Chemical Synthesis: Production of dimethyl ether (DME) and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) from methanol intermediates.  
• Industrial Electrocatalysis: Scalable processes for renewable energy storage and hydrocarbon synthesis.