Synthesis of platinum group metal nanoparticles assisted by CO2 reduction and H2 cogeneration at gas-diffusion electrodes

Abstract

The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ at gas-diffusion electrodes offers a green pathway to the synthesis of elemental nanoparticles (NPs) of the platinum group metals (PGMs) in aqueous media. The H₂ and CO co-generated act on the direct reduction of the Pt, Pd and Rh chlorides. The CO₂ equilibrium reactions are essential to obtain nanoparticles. The recovery and upcycling of the PGMs and the synthesis of PGM NPs are applications of the novel gas-diffusion electrocrystallization (GDEx) process portrayed.