Illuminating the future: developing optically transparent gas diffusion electrodes for light-driven CO2 reduction

Gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) are an emerging technology in electrochemical conversion of CO2. Because GDEs are made from black carbon-materials, in such systems light cannot be used to drive reactions like CO2 conversion. Illuminating light-responsive electrodes significantly reduces operating potentials required in electrocatalysis, thus allowing more sustainable energy use. This XS project aims at the development and implementation of novel materials for optically transparent gas-diffusion electrodes, enabling the use of light. In combination with integrated catalysts, novel electrode materials will find application in photo-electrochemical cells for light-driven conversion of gaseous pollutants such as CO2.