Structure–activity relationship of a dual-function amine-based electrolyte for integrated CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion

Abstract

Integrated carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and electrocatalytic reduction processes through dual-function amine-based electrolytes and their integration into a single reactor can lead to significant energy savings, simplified process flow, and reduced transportation risks. This work investigates the structure–activity relationship of dual-functional amine-based electrolytes for CO2 capture and electrocatalytic reduction and develops an efficient dual-functional amine-based electrolyte system. We investigated 10 different amine-based solutions for their CO2 capture and reduction performances. The substituents on the nitrogen atom of the intermediate carbamate and the positions of the hydroxyl and branched groups affect the capture and electrochemical reduction. The 1,3-propanediamine system demonstrated enhanced CO2 solubility uptake (58.1 %), Faradaic efficiency (10.6 %), and current density (52.1 %) compared with the monoethanolamine system, indicating its potential as a dual-function amine-based electrolyte. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations indicated that the charge distribution of carbamate and the dissociation of C–N bonds directly influence the adsorption of carbamates on the electrode surface and the Faradaic efficiency of the reduced products. In addition, reaction path analysis based on the zwitterionic mechanism indicated that intermediates (carbamate R1R2NCOO-) with higher electronegativity are more conducive to adsorb onto the electrode surface and inhibit hydrogen generation from protonated amines (R1R2NHH+). The results suggest that the selection or design of dual-functional amine-based electrolytes should prioritize amines with straight alkanol chains rather than branched ones, which do not form intramolecular hydrogen bonds or heterocyclic structures. This work provides directions and guidance for designing and developing dual-functional electrolytes for integrated carbon capture and electrocatalytic conversion technologies.