BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:Icfo X-PUBLISHED-TTL:P1W BEGIN:VEVENT UID:69e22e1cb4242 DTSTART:20260220T093000Z SEQUENCE:0 TRANSP:OPAQUE LOCATION:ICFO Auditorium SUMMARY:ICFO | BLANCA M. BELSA CARNÉ CLASS:PUBLIC DESCRIPTION:The electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2E) offers a promising route to convert greenhouse gas emissions into value-added chemicals and f uels. However\, achieving performance metrics that enable the technoeconom ic and sustainable viability of CO2E remains challenging. This is especial ly acute in the case of multicarbon products (C2+)\, important precursors for energy fuels and manufacturing\, where achieving combined selectivity and carbon utilisation under industrially relevant conditions is challenge d by undesired competing reactions. This thesis explores the design and im plementation of new strategies to modulate electrochemical interfaces in C O2E to overcome this barrier. These are based on the implementation of ion omer coatings that specifically address key reactants and intermediates in CO2E. \;\nA key contribution is the development and mechanistic eluci dation of ion management channels (IMCs)\, formed by co-distributing catio n and anion exchange ionomers (CEIs and AEIs) within the catalyst layer. T his architecture enables local regulation of hydroxide and cation populati ons\, mitigating *OH poisoning and enhancing *CO adsorption\, critical ste ps for promoting C&ndash\;C coupling and C2+ product formation.\nThe ionom er&ndash\;catalyst interface is comprehensively characterised using SEM&nd ash\;EDS\, FTIR\, XPS\, KPFM\, contact angle measurements\, cyclic voltamm etry\, and EIS. In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals the dynamic evolution o f surface species\, confirming that excessive *OH accumulation suppresses C2+ selectivity\, while IMCs restore favourable interfacial conditions. Th ese insights are correlated with improved electrochemical performance\, ca rbon efficiency\, and stability across a wide range of operating condition s\, including highly acidic environments.\nThe IMC concept is further impl emented in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) devices operating under neutr al pH. Preliminary results demonstrate improved performance and reduced ce ll voltages for IMC-based electrodes\, indicating compatibility with scala ble reactor platforms and commercially viable components.\nThe thesis conc ludes with a broader analysis of the challenges facing CO2E at scale. Key bottlenecks\, such as the reliance on iridium anodes and fluorinated membr anes\, are critically assessed\, and material and performance targets for gigaton-scale deployment are proposed. A techno-economic and life-cycle an alysis outlines trade-off between performance\, cost\, and sustainability\ , while global scaling efforts are reviewed. Benchmarking protocols are pr oposed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial implem entation.\nTogether\, this work advances a cohesive framework for interfac ial engineering in CO2E\, linking molecular-level understanding to device- scale integration\, and providing pathways toward industrial deployment.\n  \;\nFriday February 20\, 10:30 h. ICFO Auditorium \nThesis Director: Prof. Dr. Francisco Pelayo Garcí\;a de Arquer DTSTAMP:20260417T125700Z END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR