Involved Member: Dr. Ruquan YE

We developed an in situ functionalization strategy by first covalently grafting CoTAPc onto carbon nanotubes via a diazo-reaction, followed by a complete methylation reaction. This is conducive to a 700% increase in CO partial current density compared to that of a physically mixed sample at -0.72V vs. RHE with highly stable currents. In a flow cell, this covalently immobilized structure delivers an industrially relevant current density of 239 mA cm-2, CO selectivity of 95.6% at 590 mV overpotential and very low molecular loading of 0.069 mg cm-2. This work provides a design strategy for charged molecular catalysts for high-performance and stable heterogeneous electrolysis.

Reference:

Su, J., Zhang, J.J., Chen, J., Song, Y., Huang, L., Zhu, M., Yakobson, B.I., Tang, B.Z. & Ye, R.Q. (2021). Building a stable cationic molecule/electrode interface for highly efficient and durable CO2 reduction at an industrially relevant current. Energy & Environmental Science, 14(1), 483-492.