Executive Summary : | CO2 capture and electro-reduction (ECO2R) or fixation (ECO2F) are promising strategies to address environmental challenges associated with greenhouse gases. However, their low selectivity, faradaic efficiency, and current density hinder their commercialization. The practical technological utility of these processes requires scaling up to the global carbon cycle level. Currently, the unavailability of suitable electrolyte and electrocatalytic materials hinders this scale up. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have excellent electrocatalytic potential towards ECO2R and ECO2F. Functionalization of MOFs with amine, amide, and metal nanoparticles and conjugation with doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) matrices enhances their electrocatalytic stability, activity, and selectivity. Imidazolium-based Surface Active Ionic Liquids (SAILs) exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity toward ECO2R and ECO2F. The use of aqueous micellar/vesicular solutions of these SAIL-based systems has been reported to facilitate ECO2F and suppress parasitic reactions like HER. Selection of a suitable counter-anion like hydroxide, carbonate, and amine, amide, redox mediator functionalization of imidazolium skelton can significantly enhance CO2 capture and ECO2R and ECO2F facilitation potential of SAIL-based electrolytes. The researchers propose designing novel chemically functionalized Cu and Co-MOF-based systems and appropriately functionalized imidazolium-based task-specific-SAILs as potential electrode and electrolyte materials for energy-economic, efficient, selective ECO2R and ECO2F processes. The success of this research proposal will facilitate the design of novel MOF/SAIL interfaces for fully integrated CO2 capture, ECO2R, and ECO2F setups suitable for commercial scale production of value-added chemicals. |