Photo-assisted electrochemical $CO_2$ reduction system and catalyst

Abstract

Electrochemical $CO_2$ reduction technology has been intensively researched recently as it is the most important technology in the carbon capture and untilization cycle. The energy efficiency problem, which is the most important issue in the electrochemical $CO_2$ reduction, is in directly affect by the eletrolyzer system design and the reduction catalyst. In this thesis, we introduce the photo-assisted electrochemical reduction concept for the first time and study the effect of light irradiation on the energy efficiency. Photochemical and membrane electrode assembly $CO_2$ reduction systems were combined to form photo-assisted electrochemical system, and new types of catalysts and electrodes that can be used under light irradiation are investigated for its electrochemical properties.