(682d) Laser-Made Copper-Free Nanocatalysts for Aqueous CO2 Reduction to C–C-Coupled Products

Efficient and robust electrocatalytic processes that convert climate-damaging carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals are needed to combat climate change. The accelerated discovery of new catalysts critically depends on synthetic methods that enable the preparation of tailored nanomaterials with precisely controlled properties. Pulsed laser in liquids synthesis is an ideal tool to prepare efficient electrocatalysts, predicated on rational materials design. For electrolyzer devices, nanoparticulate catalysts must be immobilized on inert, high surface area carbon substrates for electrocatalysis in aqueous electrolytes. We solved this challenge by preparing structurally intact carbon fiber paper with long-lasting hydrophilicity by a green chemistry process. We developed novel copper-free electrocatalysts for aqueous carbon dioxide reduction that produced C–C-coupled products. These catalysts together with the newly developed ability to use them on high surface area electrode supports provide the foundation towards the realization of viable successor technologies.