CO₂ electroreduction is an extremely complex process. Extensive research in the field helped to understand some of the phenomena happening on the catalyst surface; however, the dynamic environment in the electroreduction reactors results in a broad variety of side-reactions and dependencies that need to be unveiled to understand electrochemical transformations better, improve the selectivity and stability of catalysts, critical to industrial application.

One of the important aspects we focus on is the catalyst’s long-term stability. We are interested in improving the long-term performance of catalysts that allow for direct conversion of CO₂ to more complex products, such as e.g. ethylene, ethanol and propanol. Under the current densities viable for commercial application (~500 – 1000 mA/cm²), a complete catalyst degradation occurs on a timescale of hundreds of hours. To solve this challenge, we study some overseen degradation pathways and develop new catalyst synthesis approaches to selectively convert CO₂ during months to years of uninterrupted operation.

Importantly, electrochemical reactions require excellent cathode and anode side catalysts and we work both on CO₂ reduction and anodic oxidation materials. Our Team consists of Chemists and Chemical Engineers, giving us a unique opportunity to combine different perspectives to improve the understanding of CO₂ electrolysis.

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