Research Projects

The project aims to reduce global CO2 emissions by capturing CO2 from various sources and converting it into synthetic fuel using green energy. High-temperature electrochemical reduction within a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is an attractive approach for cost-effective and energy-efficient CO2 production, with high efficiency (~100% faradaic efficiency, greater than 90% energy efficiency). CO produced can be converted into liquid fuels using Fischer Tropsch reaction. However, CO2 electrolysis remains a challenging process due to low activity and stability of most available catalysts. To improve the process, the project proposes developing improved electrocatalysts and processes for CO2 electroreduction. Catalysis is a dynamic process, and every aspect of the catalytic environment can transform based on reaction conditions. A systematic development of catalysts requires controlling most factors. To monitor cell performance in SOEC, the project has developed an operando spectroscopic setup that combines operando Raman and online Mass Spectrometry. This double chambered cell can simulate the entire solid oxide cell with both anode and cathode in separate compartments, making it the only setup of its kind. The operando cell will directly correlate catalyst structure and activity, providing access to catalyst structure, components of cell impedance, and direct detection and quantification of products. This will allow quick understanding of degradation mechanisms and help develop mitigation strategies.