Our paper on hands-on CO2 electrolysis is published in JCE and highlighted on cover page
Our work Hands-on Electrochemical Reduction of CO2: Understanding Electrochemical Principles through Active Learning is highlighted on the cover of the February 2022 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education! The beautiful cover image was created by our PhD student Feng Li. Congratulations to Jury, Helen and our collaborators on this nice educational paper!
Article DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.1c01004
Authors’ copy: here
Abstract: Electrochemistry represents a powerful sustainable method for chemical synthesis; however, its widespread application is limited due to the lack of exposure and appropriate basic training of synthetic chemists and engineers in electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering. The introduction of diverse laboratory practices to the current curricula will improve the understanding of electrochemistry and the theory behind its various applications. Here, we suggest an efficient laboratory experiment on the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO using inexpensive and readily available materials, such as metal wires, plastic vessels, batteries, and a handheld CO detector. Students learn to assemble a divided electrochemical cell and perform important electrochemical reactions, such as electrochemical CO2 reduction and hydrogen evolution reaction. In this experiment, students analyze the rates of CO production under different electrolysis conditions and learn to understand the effects of operating parameters (applied potential, electrolyte concentration, and nature of the electrode) on the outcome of the reaction. This new comprehensive laboratory experiment is designed for students to better understand basic principles of electrochemistry and is suitable for undergraduate students.
