Journal of Energy Chemistry ›› 2023, Vol. 85 ›› Issue (10): 198-219.DOI: 10.1016/j.jechem.2023.06.010

Previous Articles     Next Articles

The role of morphology on the electrochemical CO2 reduction performance of transition metal-based catalysts

Umar Mustaphaa,b, Chidera C. Nnadiekwea, Maria Abdulkarim Alhaboudala, Umar Yunusaa, Abdulhakam Shafiu Abdullahia, Ismail Abdulazeezc, Ijaz Hussainb, Saheed A. Ganiyua,b, Abdulaziz A. Al-Saadia,b, Khalid Alhooshania,b,*   

  1. aDepartment of Chemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia;
    bInterdisciplinary Research Center for Refining & Advanced Chemicals, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia;
    cInterdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
  • Received:2023-03-30 Revised:2023-05-28 Accepted:2023-06-02 Online:2023-10-15 Published:2023-11-06
  • Contact: *E-mail address: hooshani@kfupm.edu.sa (K. Alhooshani).
  • About author:Umar Mustapha is currently pursuing a PhD in the Department of Chemical Sciences at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals. He obtained his BSc in Chemistry from Federal University of Kashere, Nigeria in 2015 and MS in Chemistry at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals in 2019, where he studied the synthesis and applications of nanostructured hydrotreating catalysts. Over the past three years, his research has revolved around electrochemical CO2reduction. His work has encompassed a combination of theoretical and experimental testing, as well as modeling of CO2 reduction catalysts in H-cell. The ultimate driver of his research directions is the development of new energy technologies that have the capacity to be implemented at global scales.
    Chidera C. Nnadiekwe received his Bachelor of Science degree from Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria. He proceeded to receive his Master’s degree from the prestigious King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. He is presently a Ph.D. scholar and teaching assistant at the Chemistry Department of Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA. His research interests focus on catalytic processes of carbonylation, and the theoretical validation of their mechanisms.
    Maria Alhaboudal is a Master's student in the field of Chemistry at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, specializing in Physical chemistry. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), where she developed a strong foundation in analytical skills and data analysis. During her undergraduate studies, Maria worked as a research assistant in Chemistry lab, where she gained hands-on experience in developing DSSCs. She contributed to several research projects, such as the substitution of Pt with a much cheaper conductive polymer to create a much more economically friendly and efficient solar cell.
    Abdulhakam Abdullahi received his BS degree from the Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria, in 2017. He is a graduate student studying under the supervision of Dr. Saheed Ganiyu and Dr. Khalid Alhooshani at the School of Chemicals and Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia. His research interests are carbon management with specific interest in the use of two-dimensional materials for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to valuable feedstocks.
    Ismail Abdulazeez obtained his PhD degree in Chemistry from the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, KFUPM in 2019 with major on atomistic simulations, material science and the design of corrosion inhibitors. He is currently a Research Scientist/Assistant Professor at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security, KFUPM. His research interest focused on the design of ion-sieve and ion-exchange membranes for water purification and the recovery of precious metals from brine, modeling for wastewater treatment and gas separation and storage. He has published several articles in ISI Journals, filed several patents and currently serve as a reviewer for several scientific journals.
    Ijaz Hussain graduated from Forman Christian College University Lahore (FCCU) with a Bachelor of Science (Honor) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in chemistry. In 2020, he received his Ph.D. in Chemistry under the supervision of Professor Dr. Aishah Abdul Jalil. His PhD thesis focused on the design of metal-loaded fibrous mordenite zeolite for carbon monoxide methanation. Currently, he is working as a post-doctorate researcher in the “Center for Refining & Advanced Chemicals, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia”. He has participated in many international seminars and conferences. He has published over 50 papers in international journals in the field of heterogeneous catalysis for energy and environmental applications. His current research focuses on designing heterogeneous catalytic materials for CO and CO2 methanation, CO2 photoreduction and CO oxidation, dry reforming of methane, and photocatalysis for sustainable methane and hydrogen generation. In particular, his work is focused on CO2 capturing and chemical conversion to valuable products.
    Saheed Ganiyu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. He obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Ganiyu's research activities focus on the synthesis, and characterization of porous nanomaterials such as metal-oxides nanoparticles, modified-carbon, mesoporous silica, zeolites, hybrids supports, and metals supported for application in adsorption, catalysis, and extraction for environmental remediation and analytical problems. He is currently working on carbon management through carbon capture, CO2 hydrogenation and electrochemical CO2 reduction with advanced materials. He has published more than 35 peer-reviewed articles and holds few issued US patents. Abdulaziz A.
    Al-Saadi is a Professor of Chemistry. Prof. Al-Saadi received his PhD degree in 2006 from Texas A&M University, USA, and then started his academic career at the Chemistry Department at KFUPM as an Assistant Professor, and since 2021 he holds a rank of Professor in the same department. His area of specialization is physical chemistry with emphasis on the application of vibrational (infrared and Raman) spectroscopy in the areas of pharmaceutics, industry and materials structure-activity relationship. He supervised several graduate students, led and co-led many internally and externally funded research projects, and published more than 130 peer-reviewed papers in reputable journals and 3600+ citations. His recent interest is in the area of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy and the development of a variety of 2D materials for trace-level SERS-based sensing. Prof. Al-Saadi served from 2014 to 2022 as the Chairman of the Chemistry Department, the Dean of College of Sciences, and then as the founding Dean of the College of Chemical and Materials, all at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM).
    Khalid Alhooshani is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. He obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of South Florida in 2005, MS. in chemistry from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2001, and a BS from King Saud University in 1994. In 2011, Dr. Khalid Alhooshani continued his postdoctoral research experience at Caltech with Prof. Robert H. Grubbsat. He also has extensive research experience, having spent three years at the National University of Singapore collaborating with Prof. Lee Hian Kee between 2006 and 2010. The research focus of Alhooshani’s group is on the design, synthesis, and characterization of porous nanomaterials such as metal-oxides nanoparticles, modified-carbon, mesoporous silica, zeolites, hybrids, and metals supported for use in adsorption, catalysis, and extraction for clear water and fuel. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and licensed industrial patents. He has been working in an academic and research institutions for 25 years as an instructor and had a great interest to promote student-centered learning

Abstract: The continued increase in population and the industrial revolution have led to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration. Consequently, developing and implementing effective solutions to reduce CO2 emissions is a global priority. The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is strongly believed to be a promising alternative to fossil fuel-based technologies for the production of value-added chemicals. So far, the implementation of CO2RR is hindered by associated electrochemical reactions, such as low selectivity, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and additional overpotential induced in some cases. As a result, it is necessary to conduct a timely evaluation of the state-of-the-art strategies in CO2RR, with a focus on the engineering of the electrocatalytic systems. Catalyst morphology is one factor that plays a critical role in overcoming these drawbacks and significantly contributes to enhancing product selectivity and Faradaic efficiency (FE). This review article summarizes the recent advances in the rational design of electrocatalysts with various morphologies and the influence of these morphologies on CO2RR. To compare literature findings in a meaningful way, the article focuses on results reported under a well-defined period and considers the first three rows of the d-block metal catalysts. The discussion typically covers the design of nanostructured catalysts and the molecular-level understanding of morphology-performance relationship in terms of activity, selectivity, and stability during CO2 electrolysis. Among others, it would be convenient to recommend a comprehensive discussion on the morphologies of single metals and heterostructures, with a detailed emphasis on their impact on CO2 conversion.

Key words: CO2 electroreduction, Electrochemical reduction of CO2, Morphology, Catalysts, d-block metals catalysts, Faradaic efficiency, Selectivity