2024 BIST Ignite Project: BREATH-CO2

Project overview

The challenge posed by elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations requires urgent carbon mitigation strategies to combat climate change. CO2 electroreduction (CO2RR) offers a promising approach, utilizing renewable energy sources to convert carbon dioxide into valuable carbon-based products. However, despite significant advances in CO2RR, generating complex multi-carbon molecules remains challenging due to the multi-step nature of reaction pathways and the need for selective catalysts. Additionally, improving the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode is crucial for the efficiency of CO₂ electrolysis. OER controls how efficiently electrons are supplied to drive CO₂ reduction at the cathode, meaning that optimization can reduce energy losses and enhance overall reaction performance.

Recent advancements involving spin polarization effects offer a new opportunity to enhance reaction kinetics in electrochemical processes. Using this spin-dependent electrochemical technology, the BREATH-CO2 project aims to develop a robust and stable electrode design with an intrinsic chiral structure for spin-enhanced electrosynthesis. Specifically, the project will develop optically active catalysts with intrinsic chirality—based on Copper, Tin, and Nickel-based structures—to promote carbon-carbon coupling and improve selectivity in CO2RR.

By incorporating spin-dependent catalysts into commercial electrolysers, the study seeks to enhance energy efficiency and production rates, ultimately contributing to enhanced power output. Bringing together expertise in catalyst synthesis, characterization techniques, and electrochemical analysis, BREATH-CO2 is a collaborative effort between ICIQ, ICN2, and ICFO. The multidisciplinary nature of the research strengthens the project’s potential for addressing urgent challenges in CO2RR technology and advancing sustainable carbon mitigation strategies.