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Role of Heteroatoms in S,N‐Codoped Nanoporous Carbon Materials in CO 2 (Photo)electrochemical Reduction
Author(s) -
Li Wanlu,
Bandosz Teresa J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201801073
Subject(s) - tafel equation , heteroatom , electrochemistry , catalysis , chemistry , nanoporous , photocurrent , thiourea , carbon fibers , inorganic chemistry , overpotential , photochemistry , materials science , organic chemistry , electrode , ring (chemistry) , optoelectronics , composite material , composite number
Thiourea‐modified wood‐based activated carbon materials were evaluated as catalysts for the CO 2 electrochemical reduction reaction (CO 2 ERR). The materials obtained at 950 °C showed long‐term stability. The results indicated that thiophenic sulfur provides the catalytic activity for CO formation. However, it was not as active for CH 4 formation as was pyridinic N. Tafel plots suggested that the nanoporous structure enhanced the kinetics for CO 2 reduction. The electric conductivity limited the activity for CO 2 ERR in the materials modified at 600, 800, and 900 °C. The effect of visible light on CO 2 ERR was also investigated in this study. Upon irradiation, photocurrent was generated, and the current density increased during the CO 2 reduction process. Combined with a band‐gap alignment, the results indicate that thiophenic S in the carbon matrix contributed to the sample's photoactivity in visible light. These species enhance the overall reduction process, promoting both the hydrogen evolution reaction and CO 2 reduction to CO.