Ethylene is traditionally obtained through steam cracking of petroleum-derived hydrocarbons. Recently, the semi-hydrogenation of coal-derived acetylene has emerged as an alternative to produce ethylene. In particular, electrocatalytic acetylene semi-hydrogenation (EASH) offers advantages such as driven by renewable energy and low carbon emissions.
However, the practical application of ethylene electrosynthesis via EASH has been hindered by slow reaction rate, limited ethylene selectivity, and low energy efficiency. Besides, studies have primarily focused on tuning catalytic active sites at nanoscale and atomic scale, the critical role of mesoscopic mass transport within electrodes has often been overlooked.
In a study published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition , a research team led by Prof. BAO Xinhe and Prof. GAO Dunfeng from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences achieved ethylene electrosynthesis from acetylene at ampere-level current density by promoting interparticle mass transport.
Researchers showed quantitatively the crucial role of interparticle mass transport within the catalyst layer of a gas diffusion electrode. By increasing the average interparticle distance of Cu cubes, they improved acetylene adsorption and ethylene desorption, leading to enhanced EASH performance.
The Cu cube electrode with a large average interparticle distance of 265 nm exhibited an ethylene Faradaic efficiency of 97.4% at a current density of 1.0 A cm −2 and a maximum ethylene partial current density of 1.5 A cm −2 in an alkaline membrane electrode assembly electrolyzer.
Moreover, researchers revealed that increasing the interparticle distance of Cu cubes effectively promoted mass transport, enabling efficient ethylene electrosynthesis under industrially relevant conditions.
"Our study demonstrates the key role of mesoscopic mass transport in electrocatalysis. This factor should be considered in designing high-performance electrocatalytic systems," said Prof. GAO.
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Commentary/editorial
Not applicable
Ethylene Electrosynthesis from Acetylene at Ampere-Level Current Density via Promoting Interparticle Mass Transport
4-Sep-2025