Investigating the Impact of Ionomer Coverage on Ag-based GDE Stability and Performance in CO₂ Reduction via High-Resolution 4D Nano-Tomograp

Achieving viable and cost-effective CO₂ electrolysis requires a deeper understanding of the catalyst-electrolyte interface. This project explores local ion distribution and degradation mechanisms in Ag-based gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) with different ionomer coatings, assessing their impact on catalytic activity, stability, and performance in CO₂ reduction (CO₂RR).
Using X-ray nano-holo-tomography, we will study the structural evolution of functionalized Ag nanoparticles and the formation of potassium carbonate, correlating their spatial distribution with ionomer coverage and mass transport properties under ex situ and operando conditions. Initial post-mortem analysis of Ag@ionomer-based GDEs will inform the development of an improved operando cell, enabling 3D imaging of dynamic processes under realistic CO₂RR conditions. This research is part of MSCA-DN: ECOMATES, aiming to advance CO₂ electrolysis technologies.