Electrochemical CO2 reduction has the potential to revolutionise how we produce fuels and chemicals by converting waste CO2 into valuable products. However, one of the major barriers to efficiency is the internal resistance and the resultant temperature increase within electrolyser systems, especially for electrolyser operation under high current density.
In this project we will investigate strategies to optimise the resistance of electrolysers used for CO2 reduction to value-added chemicals such as carbon monoxide, formate, and hydrocarbons. This will involve studying cell design, electrode/electrolyte interfaces, and operating conditions to minimise resistive losses. The eventual goal is to develop design principles that improve energy efficiency and product selectivity in CO2 electrolysers.
School
Chemical Engineering
Research Area
Chemical engineering | Electrolysis
Suitable for recognition of Work Integrated Learning (industrial training)?
No
- Research environment
- Expected outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference material/links
Particles and Catalysis Research Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering
- Learn how to measure and interpret electrolyser resistance using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
- Acquire experience in analysing how operating conditions and design parameters influence efficiency and product selectivity.
- Improve problem-solving skills through troubleshooting of experimental systems.
Ma, Z., Wan, T., Zhang, D., Yuwono, J. A., Tsounis, C., Jiang, J., ... & Amal, R. (2023). Atomically dispersed Cu catalysts on sulfide-derived defective Ag nanowires for electrochemical CO2 reduction. ACS nano, 17(3), 2387-2398.