Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Multi-Carbon Products on Organic-Functionalized CuO Nanoparticles by Local Micro-Environment Modulation

Abstract

Highlights Developing surface-functionalized catalysts with exceptional activity and selectivity for the electrocatalytic CO2RR to C2+ products under neutral electrolyte. A remarkable C2+ FE of nearly 90% at an unprecedented current density of 300 mA cm−2 and maintain high FE (> 80%) at the wide current density performance (100–600 mA cm−2) in neutral environments using a flow cell as well as MEA electrolyzer. Mechanical study reveals that reducing the coverage of coordinated K·H2O water increased the probability of intermediate reactants (CO) interacting with the surface, thereby promoting efficient C–C coupling and enhancing the yield of C2+ products.

Keywords

• CO2 electroreduction to C2+
• Neutral electrolyte
• Organic-functionalized CuO nanoparticles
• Local micro-environment modulation