Electrocatalytic CO۲ reduction using ionic liquid derived ordered mesoporous carbon as catalyst coupled with electrosynthesis of arylsulfonyl-۴,۴'-biphenol

Ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) have been extensively investigated for use in electrochemistry in recent years [۱]. These attentions originate from uniform and tunable channels, high accessible surface, facilitated diffusion of electrolyte and redox active species as well as prominent electrical conductivity. These impressive features convert them to valuable materials for electrode modification and electrocatalytic purpose. On the other hand, deep dependence on fossil fuels has led to a steady increase in fossil energy consumption, resulting to continuous expanding carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, it is necessary to provide solutions to reduce carbon dioxide emission. Several strategies are exerted to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide. Among them, electrochemicl CO۲ reduction reaction (CO۲RR) is one of the most promising approaches. A key challenge of designing an eco-friendly and economical electrolyzer for carbon dioxide conversion is fabricating electrocatalysts that can increase selectivity and activity toward the formation of desired chemical feedstocks and fuels [۲]. Among electrocatalysts, hybrid of metal complexes and OMCs has attracted significant attention due to produce value-added products from CO۲RR with high selectivity and activity [۳]. Herein, we developed a hybrid of metal complex and ionic liquid derived ordered mesoporous carbon (IOMC) to modify electrode surface for CO۲RR. The IOMC was synthesized by carbonizing a homogeneous mixture of ۱-methyl-۳-phenethyl-۱H-imidazolium hydrogen sulfate as carbon sources in the presence of SBA-۱۵ mesoporous silica as a hard scaffold. The structure of catalyst was characterized with SEM, XRD, Raman, FT-IR and TEM. Carbon monoxide was produced in a high partial current density of ۲۷ mAcm-۲ at an overpotential of ۰.۶۲ V vs. RHE. The efficiency of the cell was further enhanced by designing a paired electrolyzer in which the slow oxygen production process replaced with the synthesis of arylsulfonyl-۴,۴'-biphenol in green conditions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Ionic liquid derived ordered mesoporous carbon (IOMC) ، Electrocatalytic CO۲ reduction reaction (CO۲RR) ، Electrocatalyst