Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 4-15-2025

Abstract

Rising atmospheric CO₂ and CH₄ drive climate change, prompting research into their electrochemical conversion to valuable products. This study investigates electrodeposited nanostructured transition metal oxides (TMOs), unary (CuO, Co₃O₄) and dual (Cu-Co oxide) as catalysts for CO₂ reduction and CH₄ oxidation under ambient conditions. Fabricated on various substrates (Cu foil, SS316, carbon paper) and characterized by SEM, their electrochemical performance was evaluated via cyclic voltammetry.

Cu-Co oxide showed superior CO₂ reduction, leveraging the strengths of individual oxides. Co₃O₄ exhibited higher current densities for CH₄ oxidation, with SS316 proving the best substrate. Catalyst composition, morphology, and substrate significantly influenced efficiency. While Cu-Co oxide balanced CO₂ reduction, Co₃O₄ excelled in CH₄ oxidation despite competing reactions. Identified limitations, such as low current densities and mass transport, suggest avenues for improvement, including optimized catalyst loading and reactor designs.

This research highlights the potential of cost-effective nanostructured TMOs for sustainable greenhouse gas conversion, contributing to mitigating climate change and valuable feedstock generation. Future efforts will focus on refining catalyst properties, exploring ternary oxides, and overcoming mass transport limitations for enhanced performance and scalability.

Keywords

electrocatalysis, electrodeposition, transition metal oxides, nanostructure, methane, carbon dioxide, electrochemistry

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Chemical Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Chemical and Biological Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Shuya Wei

Second Committee Member

Dr. Fernando Garzon

Third Committee Member

Dr. Abhaya Datye

Comments

Thesis on Nanostructured Transition Metal Oxides for Electrochemical CO2and Methane Conversion submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Chemical Engineering

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