Catalysts For Electrochemical Conversion Of CO2

The object of the proposed work is to develop better processes for the electrochemical conversion of CO2 into a high value chemical in a growing market. CO2 is one of the key causes of global warming. If we can recycle CO2 back into useful products, than the costs of meeting the Nations global warming goals will be substantially reduced. Presently, the use of CO2 feedstocks is limited by the availability of practical catalysts for CO2 conversion. An electrochemical process for the production of this chemical has already been demonstrated at the pilot plant scale by another company, but it was not economically feasible because the catalysts and cell designs were insufficient. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In the proposed work, we will develop better catalysts for the production of our target chemical from CO2. Recent advances from Professor Masel and Professor Keniss laboratory at the University of Illinois provide evidence that much better catalysts and cell designs are feasible. We wish to prove these designs during the SBIR efforts.