(79f) Interaction of Anion-Exchange Ionomers with Carbon Dioxide Reduction Electrocatalysts

Electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide may provide a path to generating carbon-neutral liquid fuels and feedstocks that at present are derived from petroleum. Practical devices for carbon dioxide reduction will require membrane-electrode assemblies, similar to those used in many commercial hydrogen fuel cells, to maximize energy efficiency. Membrane-electrode assemblies consist of gas diffusion layers and catalyst layers on either side of a membrane. The catalyst layer must facilitate transport of electrons, gases such as carbon dioxide and products, and ionic species such as hydroxide to and from the surface of nanoparticle catalysts. Ionic transport is achieved using ionomers which must be in direct contact with the catalyst surface; despite this, the influence of the ionomer on the underlying catalystâ??s activity and selectivity for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction is poorly understood. In this presentation, we will discuss how anion-exchange ionomers influence transition metal electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction. Using electrochemical and spectroscopic studies, we are able to elucidate the molecular interaction between the ionomer and the catalyst surface. Our results provide insights into the design of new anion-exchange ionomers for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction.