Exploration of Gas-Dependent Self-Adaptive Reconstruction Behavior of Cu2O for Electrochemical CO2 Conversion to Multi-Carbon Products

Abstract

Highlights We revealed a universal self-adaptive structural reconstruction from Cu2O to Cu@CuxO composites, ending with feeding gas-dependent microstructures and catalytic performances. We uncovered a CO2-induced passivation behavior by identifying a reduction-resistant but catalytic active Cu(I)-rich amorphous layer. We designed and fabricated hollow Cu2O nanospheres, demonstrating durable electrolysis at a partial current density of −200 mA cm−2 in producing C2H4 with an FE of up to 61% at −0.6 VRHE.

Keywords

• CO2 reduction reaction
• Electrocatalysts
• Cu2O
• Reconstruction
• Self-adaptive electrocatalysis