THE DESIGN OF EFFICIENT CO2 REDUCTION ELECTROCATALYSTS AND ELECTROLYSIS CELL
Open Access
Author:
Li, Yuguang C
Graduate Program:
Chemistry
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type:
Dissertation
Date of Defense:
May 11, 2018
Committee Members:
Thomas E Mallouk, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor Thomas E Mallouk, Committee Chair/Co-Chair John V Badding, Committee Member Mauricio Terrones Maldonado, Committee Member Donghai Wang, Outside Member
The discovery of a low cost and highly efficient catalyst and the design of a stable electrolysis cell for CO2 reduction reaction is the key step in achieving a carbon neutral energy technology. This thesis discusses the design of multi-metallic alloyed catalysts for CO2 reduction with a high throughput combinatorial screening method. Additionally, the design of a electrolyzer based on bipolar membrane is explored to demonstrate the importance of balancing the electrolyte pH. Finally, the design of visible light activated nanomotors and the fabrication of a low-cost potentiostat are also discussed.
