ORS6-0153
Ion-containing Polymers for Modulating Interfaces in CO2 Electrolysis
When and Where
Nov 30, -0001
12:00am - 12:00am
Presenter(s)
Jai Hyun Koh (Korea Institute of Science and Technology)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
This presentation reports our research efforts on the molecular design and synthesis of ion-containing polymers (ionomers) as catalyst binders for CO2 electrolysis. Although major progress has been achieved in catalyst development and reactor engineering over the past decade, further improvements in activity, selectivity, and durability remain essential. Ionomeric binders offer a powerful route to address these challenges by tailoring the local microenvironment near the catalyst surface. However, their structure–property–performance relationships are still not fully understood because multiple structural features often influence interfacial behavior simultaneously. To establish clearer design principles, we synthesize a library of ionomers in which one well-defined structural parameter is varied at a time. I will discuss representative studies that examine the roles of molecular weight, side-chain structure, ion-conducting groups, and charge density. These systematic changes regulate interfacial hydrophobicity, the thermodynamic stability of reaction intermediates, CO2 and water activities, and local pH. As a result, they alter catalytic activity and product selectivity in CO2 electrolysis. In situ vibrational spectroscopy is used to monitor key reaction intermediates under operating conditions, while computational analyses provide molecular-level insights into the governing mechanisms. When implemented in gas-diffusion electrodes, these tailored ionomers enable industrially relevant performance and demonstrate their practical potential. Overall, these studies establish molecular design rules for ionomers and highlight how ionomers can provide precise control over electrochemical interfaces across diverse electrocatalytic systems.
