Microwave-assisted synthesis of Cu-based catalysts for electroreduction of CO2 in the production of Syngas

In this work, Cu-based catalysts were fabricated via microwave-assisted synthesis using a mixture of copper salt and tin salt. The aim of the fabricated catalysts is the electroreduction of carbon dioxed, which is the main cause of global warming. Morphological and composition characterization were performed (FESEM, XPS, XRD). Products were evaluated (CA, GC). The results for the different fabricated catalysts were interpreted and compared to evaluate the effects of the precursors on the catalytic materials characteristics and performances. Promising results were achieved in term of Faradaic Efficiencies towards the production of CO and the ratio hydrogen/carbon monoxide, resulting in gaseous mixtures suitable for further trasformation in valuable chemical compounds (including fuels). Further investigations (such as Cyclic Voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) are needed to evaluate electrochemical properties of the materials. In addition, stability has to be proven.