The electrolytic conversion of ambient CO2 mediated by molten carbonates in multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Reference	Presenter	Authors (Institution)	Abstract
13-013	Sabrina Arcaro	Arcaro, S.(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul); dos Santos, W.F.(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul); Alves, A.K.(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul); BERGMANN, C.P.(UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL); Wermuth, T.B.(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul);	In this work, the possibility of using electrolytic synthesis for CO2 conversion to carbon nanotubes is described via molten lithium carbonate (Li2CO3). This process is a method of permanent CO2 sequestration. For this, Li2CO3 was heated in an alumina crucible until melting to obtain a homogeneous liquid (electrolyte). The anode and cathode were immersed in the electrolyte and arranged in two different ways. In the first case, we use galvanized steel as the cathode, and nickel chrome as the anode. In the second case, we use galvanized steel as the anode and nickel chrome as the cathode. Electrolysis was conducted in galvanostatic mode. Electrical current and synthesis time were modified to evaluate the formation of carbon products. The cathodic products were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. We directly grew multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) from ambient CO2 using Fe and Ni-based catalysts in molten carbonate electrolyte—with particularly high yield at 1 A and 4 h of electrolytic synthesis. These products are 90% MWCNT. The average external diameter was 100–125 nm. The internal diameter is 25-40 nm.
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