A nitrogen-doped graphene-supported nickel-single-atom catalyst in the flow cell meets the industrial criteria of carbon dioxide reduction reaction to carbon monoxide

Abstract

Carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising approach to accomplishing net zero CO2 emissions. Among CO2RR catalysts, nitrogen-doped graphene-supported single-atom catalysts show a remarkable conversion rate from CO2 to CO; however, the low production amount has been limited using the conversion H cell, hindering its industrial development. In this work, we synthesize a nitrogen-doped graphene-supported nickel-single-atom catalyst and conduct CO2RR in a flow cell, exhibiting a CO2-to-CO Faradaic efficiency of 96% and a partial current density of 144 mA cm−2. It can also achieve the highest partial current density of 204 mA cm−2 with a turnover frequency of 7,852 h−1. According to the techno-economic analysis, these preeminent activities meet the industrial criteria (Faradaic efficiency >60% and partial current density >100 mA cm−2). This activity enhancement using a flow system can significantly accelerate net-zero CO2 emission realization.