Last modified: 2014-10-08
Abstract
Gas diffusion electrodes(GDE) modified with N-N' Bis(salicylidene)-ethylenediamino-Cobalt(II) (CoSalen) and conductive carbon black BP-2000 were prepared and used for electrochemical reduction of CO2.The electrochemical properties of the modified electrodes for CO2 reduction were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and CO2 electrolysis in CO2-saturated 0.5M KHCO3 solution. The CoSalen–BP coated at GDE exhibited less negative cathode potential at -0.8 V vs .SCE, a more positive potential than single CoSalen. Since BP has very high specific surface area up to 2000, developed pore structure, good electrical conductivity, so it’s suitable to use it as catalyst to improve electrode performance. The effect of different proportion (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%) of CoSalen and BP on CO2 reduction are studied and it was demonstrated that the optimal proportion is 40% CoSalen and 60% BP. In addition, even the same catalyst has different catalytic activity, due largely to the nature of the electrolyte and the operation conditions (e.g. the potentials or current densities, temperatures, and pressures). 0.5M KHCO3 solution is widely use as electrolyte on CO2 reduction, however, different electrolytes ingredients also have great effects on the electrochemical reduction of CO2. In our study, the electrolytes on CO2 reduction are examined extensively including KHCO3, K2SO4, KCl, Na2SO4, Na2CO3 and NaHCO3. Among all electrolytes, 0.5M K2SO4 was observed to has most positive potential compared to other electrolytes, while the highest total reduction current density up to 20 mA cm-2 was observed in 0.5M KHCO3, which is mainly attributed to the equilibrium between HCO3−and CO2, thus providing sufficient local dissolved CO2 to the interface between the GDE electrode and the electrolyte for the reaction. Cations such as K+ and Na+, K+ exhibits positive catalytic activity than Na+, due to the fact that the ionic radius of potassium ion is more larger than that of sodium ion. Furthermore, different anions such as SO42-, HCO3-,Cl-, SO42- has less negative potential toward CO2 reduction, when the cation in solutions is K+. For 0.5M K2SO4 and 0.5M Na2SO4, it is obvious that 0.5M K2SO4 has better catalytic activity and the current density is three times over than Na2SO4. In the process of study the product of CO2 reduction, no formic acid and methanol are observed, the product are probably CO, CH4 and H2 and other gaseous.