Degree Name

MS (Master of Science)

Program

Chemistry

Date of Award

8-2019

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Dane Scott

Committee Members

Greg Bishop, Catherine McCusker

Abstract

Hydrogen molybdenum oxide, known has molybdenum bronze, is a material of interest due to catalyzing electron transfer reactions. Specifically, molybdenum bronze is an electrocatalyst toward carbon dioxide reduction. Electrochemical deposition from a peroxymolybdic acid solution is a method for preparing molybdenum bronze films. This work demonstrates reproducible electrodeposition on indium tin oxide substrates and conductive carbon paper. Film thickness depends on concentration, time and pH. After characterization by film thickness, resistance, XRD and XPS, the as deposited films served as the working electrode for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in 0.1 M NaHCO3. Ion chromatography determined formate resulting in 8% faradaic efficiency at an applied potential of -0.4 V. Interestingly, this potential is similar to use of formate dehydrogenase as an electrocatalyst. Carbon monoxide levels were attempted to be determined by GC in the headspace of an H type electrochemical cell. Results show that these films are applicable towards electrochemical CO2 reduction to formate when supported on carbon.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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