As we progressed towards the project the newly prepared CuOx IO (Inverse Opal) by K U Leuven were tested for eCO2RR (electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction). CuOx IO outperformed commercial catalyst Cu2O nanoparticles (38% vs 12% FE towards ethylene) under similar electrochemical conditions. More clusters are in the pipeline to be tested and characterized. The aged CuOx cluster (roughly 3 months) led to the selectivity towards hydrogen, which will be further investigated.
TEM measurements of AuCu cluster and CuOx related to WP2 presented by EMAT, resulting in a size distribution of 1 to 5 nm clusters and a combination of 61% Au and 39% Cu for AuCu alloy by EDS analysis. The potential problem with TEM grid was addressed leading to further technical discussion.
WP3 was updated by ELCAT, presenting selectivity of 36% towards ethylene at a current density of 100 mA/cm2 on the CuOx cluster. The stability of the catalyst was discussed and required further investigation.
WP3 and WP5 were highlighted by VITO to discuss the electrochemical activity of CuOx and CuOx/IO/Pd and the 2-step cascade approach based on techno-economical assessment (TEA).
A tour to EMAT lab was organized with all attendants.
