Synthesis of Layered Double Hydroxide-Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite for Catalysis of CO2 Electro-Reduction

Abstract

CO2 is the major component contributing to greenhouse effect that leads to global warming, rise of sea level and climate change. So recycling the content of CO2 at atmosphere is considered to be a promising method for sustainability. Meanwhile, electrochemical conversion of CO2 contributes to convert CO2 into a carbon feedstock, such as CO, which can both solve the problem of environmental threat and energy preservation. But demanding part is that CO2 is one of the most stable carbon-based molecule and high overpotential (-1.9 V) is needed for single electron reduction of CO2. To accomplish this goal, the introduction of an effective catalyst is crucial. In this thesis, synthesis, characterization and application of layered double hydroxide-reduced graphene oxide composite (LDH-rGO) for CO2 reduction were discussed. We are aware that LDH showed a positive catalytic activity in variety of reactions from the previous reported works. However, the bottlenecks of LDH were low electrical conductivity and low specific surface areas. In this present study, we combined LDH with rGO that possess high electrical conductivity and specific areas to form LDH-rGO composite. These materials were proven to lower CO2 reduction potential (-1.3 V) and exhibit high current response.