REDUCTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) AND CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

Transition Metal Compound Catalysts for the Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 and CO



AFFILIATION

University of Iceland

INVENTORS

Research Associate Professor Younes Abghoui

School of Engineering and Natural SciencesThe Institute of Physical Sciences, Chemistry Division

IP STATUS

Patent pending

Title: Transition metal carbide catalysts for the reduction of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide

Int. Publication number: WO2026013166A1

Priority date: 12 Jul 2024

Title: Transition metal carbonitride catalysts for the reduction of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide

Int. Publication number: WO2026033100A1

Priority date: 08 Aug 2024

Title: Transition metal phosphide catalysts for the reduction of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide

Int. Publication number: WO2026041727A1

Priority date: 23 Aug 2024

“The catalyst platform enables the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into valuable chemicals and fuels, including methanol, methane, formic acid, and other low-carbon chemical feedstocks, supporting sustainable production of renewable fuels and industrial chemicals.”

TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

This technology portfolio comprises a family of transition metal carbide, carbonitride, and phosphide catalysts developed for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) into valuable chemicals and fuels. The catalyst materials are designed to improve catalytic activity, product selectivity, and energy efficiency compared with conventional electrocatalysts, addressing key challenges that limit the commercial viability of carbon conversion technologies. By enabling efficient conversion of captured CO₂ and CO using renewable electricity, the inventions support sustainable carbon utilization, helping transform greenhouse gases into valuable chemical feedstocks and renewable fuels. The platform offers multiple catalyst compositions, providing flexibility for optimization across a range of electrochemical reactor designs and industrial applications.

KEY BENEFITS

• Efficient electrochemical conversion of CO₂ and CO into value-added chemicals and fuels.
• Improved catalytic activity, selectivity, and energy efficiency.
• Multiple catalyst material platforms (carbides, carbonitrides, and phosphides) enabling application-specific optimization.
• Provides important advance in the development of technologies that can reduce C02 levels in the atmosphere
• Potential to reduce reliance on expensive metal catalysts.



COLLABORATION

TTO Iceland is seeking to engage with industrial partners, technology developers, and entrepreneurs to better understand technical requirements, market needs, and potential pathways for validation, scale-up, and commercialization. We would be pleased to provide a more detailed presentation of the technology and discuss potential collaboration or licensing opportunities upon request.

For more information please contact us.

KEYWORDS

Carbon dioxide, CO2 reduction, carbon monoxide, CO reduction, catalysts, transition metal carbides, transition metal carbonitrates, transition metal phosphates, electrochemistry, electrolytic cell, formic acid, hydrogen, methane, methanol, physical chemistry, process chemistry, fuel production.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

Can catalyst structure enhance electrochemical CO₂ conversion to CH₄? Electrochimica Acta (2026) – Investigates catalyst structure–activity relationships for methane production from CO₂.

10.1016/j.electacta.2026.148266

Decoding CO₂ activation and catalytic reactivity for carbon-neutral fuel generation. Electrochimica Acta (2026).

10.1016/j.electacta.2025.148054

 Surface Coverage-Controlled C–C Coupling for Sustainable Formation of C1 and C2 Products. ACS Applied Energy Materials (2026).

10.1021/acsaem.6c00309

Tuning CO hydrogenation pathways on transition metal carbide (110) facets. Fuel (2026).

10.1016/j.fuel.2025.137382

Climate rectification via electrocatalytic CO recycling. Electrochimica Acta (2025).

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Engineering innovative catalysts for efficient CO₂ reduction toward carbon neutrality. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (2025).

10.1016/j.jece.2025.116621

How can phosphides catalyze CO₂ reduction reaction? Electrochimica Acta (2025).

10.1016/j.electacta.2025.145755

Innovative catalysis for CO reduction: Paving the way towards Greener future. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2025).

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Mechanistic roadmap for CO₂ to methane conversion on tailored carbonitride surfaces. Applied Surface Science (2025).

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Theoretical investigation of electrochemical CO reduction on carbonitrides. Materials Today Energy (2025).

10.1016/j.mtener.2025.101970

Exploring reaction mechanisms for CO₂ reduction on carbides. Journal of Materials Chemistry A (2024).10.1039/D4TA05592F