"Science may be described as the art of systematic oversimplification."
- Karl Popper
Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is complex that involves multi-electron and proton transfer. The driving force for the reaction is determined by its thermodynamic properties, and the reaction rate depends on the interfacial electron transfer kinetics. The reactant, CO2 gas molecule, is brought to the electrode surface through mass transfer in liquid electrolyte. All these factors influence the activity, selectivity, and stability of the CO2RR. Our research group investigates the thermodynamic properties (electrolyte), the electron transfer kinetics (catalyst), and the mass transport of CO2RR (design of gas diffuisonal electrode).
The overall performance of an electrochemical system requires the consideration from different components such as cathode, anode and membrane. Coupling with the efforts of CO2RR at the cathode, we are exploring anodic reactions for full cell optimization. Water oxidation and carbon upgrade reactions (such as biomass oxidation and epoxidation reactions) are under investigation in the group. A efficient and effective electrochemical system will not be succecced without proper consideration of membrane (or membraneless!). We are collaborating with other research groups for the optimization of membrane for electrochemical systems, including CO2RR, batteries.....
Based on the understanding of electrode process/electrochemical system, we aim to develop reactors with high selectivity and long stability under industrially-relavant performance metrics. Our recent research efforts include investigating other physical processes in electrolysis, such as heat management, water control, and mass transport.