Electrochemical conversion of CO2 to methanol using a glassy carbon electrode, modified by Pt@histamine-reduced graphene oxide

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 to value-added products is one of the useful approaches to reducing the effects of global climate change. Herein, a novel electrocatalyst consisting of platinum nanoparticles on histamine-reduced graphene oxide plates ([email protected]) supported by a glassy carbon (GC) substrate for the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to methanol has been developed. The nanocomposite was optimized in terms of pH, applied potential, CO2 purging time and platinum loading for the highest current densities and faradaic efficiencies toward methanol production. The best results were obtained in a solution containing KNO3 0.1 mol L−1 at the pH of 2.0, the applied potential of −0.3 V vs Ag/AgCl (KClsat), CO2 purging duration of 30 min and Pt loading of 5.17 × 10−7 mol cm−2. The faradaic efficiency of 37% was obtained for methanol production. The prepared nanocomposite requires a lower applied potential and serves as an intermediate stabilizer through the production of methanol.