Efficient electrosynthesis of n-propanol from carbon monoxide using a Ag–Ru–Cu catalyst

Xue Wang, Pengfei Ou, Adnan Ozden, Sung-Fu Hung, Jason Tam, Christine M. Gabardo, Jane Y. Howe, Jared Sisler, Koen Bertens, F. Pelayo García de Arquer, Rui Kai Miao, Colin P. O’Brien, Ziyun Wang, Jehad Abed, Armin Sedighian Rasouli, Mengjia Sun, Alexander H. Ip, David Sinton and Edward H. Sargent ()
Additional contact information
Xue Wang: University of Toronto
Pengfei Ou: University of Toronto
Adnan Ozden: University of Toronto
Sung-Fu Hung: National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Jason Tam: University of Toronto
Christine M. Gabardo: University of Toronto
Jane Y. Howe: University of Toronto
Jared Sisler: University of Toronto
Koen Bertens: University of Toronto
F. Pelayo García de Arquer: University of Toronto
Rui Kai Miao: University of Toronto
Colin P. O’Brien: University of Toronto
Ziyun Wang: University of Toronto
Jehad Abed: University of Toronto
Armin Sedighian Rasouli: University of Toronto
Mengjia Sun: University of Toronto
Alexander H. Ip: University of Toronto
David Sinton: University of Toronto
Edward H. Sargent: University of Toronto

Nature Energy, 2022, vol. 7, issue 2, 170-176

Abstract: Abstract The high-energy-density C3 fuel n-propanol is desired from CO2/CO electroreduction, as evidenced by propanol’s high market price per tonne (approximately US$ 1,400–1,600). However, CO electroreduction to n-propanol has shown low selectivity, limited production rates and poor stability. Here we report catalysts, identified using computational screening, that simultaneously facilitate multiple carbon–carbon coupling, stabilize C2 intermediates and promote CO adsorption, all leading to improved n-propanol electrosynthesis. Experimentally we construct the predicted optimal electrocatalyst based on silver–ruthenium co-doped copper. We achieve, at 300 mA cm−2, a high n-propanol Faradaic efficiency of 36% ± 3%, a C2+ Faradaic efficiency of 93% and single-pass CO conversion of 85%. The system exhibits 100 h stable n-propanol electrosynthesis. Technoeconomic analysis based on the performance of the pilot system projects profitability.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41560-021-00967-7

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