Optimized scalable CuB catalyst with promising carbon footprint for the electrochemical CO2 reduction to ethylene

Abstract

Defossilizing ethylene production to decrease ${\text{CO}}_2$ emissions is an integral challenge in the context of climate change, as ethylene is one of the most important bulk chemicals. Electrochemical ${\text{CO}}_2$ reduction is a promising alternative to conventional steam cracking, reducing the carbon footprint of ethylene production when coupled with renewable energy sources. In this work, we present the optimization of a boron-doped copper catalyst towards higher selectivity for ethylene. The method for catalyst preparation is optimized, obtaining larger batch sizes while maintaining high ethylene selectivity. Additionally, life cycle assessment is applied to investigate the environmental impacts of electrochemical ${\text{CO}}_2$ reduction and to compare its carbon footprint with alternative pathways for ethylene production. Altogether, the scaled-up catalyst achieves promising electrochemical results while significantly reducing the carbon footprint for ethylene production in comparison to the conventional production pathway when combined with low-emission energy.