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Low-Temperature Molten Salt Electrochemical CO2 Upcycling for Advanced Energy Materials

Journal Article · · ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
One strategy for addressing the climate crisis caused by CO2 emissions is to efficiently convert CO2 to advanced materials suited for green and clean energy technology applications. Porous carbon is widely used as an advanced energy storage material because of its enhanced energy storage capabilities as an anode. Herein, we report electrochemical CO2 upcycling to solid carbon with a controlled microstructure and porosity in a ternary molten carbonate melt at 450 °C. Controlling the electrochemical parameters (voltage, temperature, cathode material) enabled the conversion of CO2 to porous carbon with a tunable morphology and porosity for the first time at such a low temperature. Additionally, a well-controlled morphology and porosity are beneficial for reversible energy storage. In fact, these carbon materials delivered high specific capacity, stable cycling performances, and exceptional rate capability even under extremely fast charging conditions when integrated as an anode in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In conclusion, the present approach not only demonstrated efficient upcycling of CO2 into porous carbon suitable for enhanced energy storage but can also contribute to a clean and green energy technology that can reduce carbon emissions to achieve sustainable energy goals.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States). Advanced Photon Source (APS); Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program; USDOE Office of Science (SC)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357; AC05-00OR22725
OSTI ID:
2281114
Journal Information:
ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, Journal Name: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 16; ISSN 1944-8244
Publisher:
American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Figures / Tables (9)