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Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to ethanol using copper-silver composite catalysts - NUS

Objective/theme

NUS scientists have discovered a new mechanism for selective electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to ethanol using copper-silver (Cu-Ag) composite catalysts.

Process & benefits

An influx of CO molecules, provided by silver (Ag) co-catalysts, activates an otherwise-locked mechanistic pathway on Cu which converts CO2 gas to ethanol.

The concept that a previously closed pathway can be opened by an influx of intermediates, as demonstrated in this work, opens new possibilities to uncover new synthetic mechanisms which might previously be inaccessible.

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