Pure and Metal-confining Carbon Nanotubes through Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide in Ca-based Molten Salts

Abstract

To be successfully implemented, an efficient conversion, affordable operation and high values of CO₂ -derived products by electrochemical conversion of CO₂ are yet to be addressed. Inspired by the natural CaO-CaCO₃ cycle, we herein introduce CaO into electrolysis of SnO₂ in affordable molten CaCl₂ -NaCl to establish an in situ capture and conversion of CO₂ . In situ capture of anodic CO₂ from graphite anode by the added CaO generates CaCO₃ . The consequent co-electrolysis of SnO₂ and CaCO₃ confines Sn in carbon nanotube (Sn@CNT) in cathode and increases current efficiency of O₂ evolution in graphite anode to 71.9 %. The intermediated CaC₂ is verified as the nuclei to direct a self-template generation of CNT, ensuring a CO₂ -CNT current efficiency and energy efficiency of 85.1 % and 44.8 %, respectively. The Sn@CNT integrates confined responses of Sn cores to external electrochemical or thermal stimuli with robust CNT sheaths, resulting in excellent Li storage performance and intriguing application as nanothermometer. The versatility of the molten salt electrolysis of CO₂ in Ca-based molten salts for template-free generation of advanced carbon materials is evidenced by the successful generation of pure CNT, Zn@CNT and Fe@CNT.

Keywords: CO2 Conversion; Carbon Nanotube; Energy Storage; Molten Salt Electrochemistry; Nanothermometer.