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Stabilized Cuδ+-OH species on in situ reconstructed Cu nanoparticles for CO2-to-C2H4 conversion in neutral media

Author

Listed:
  • Lei Wang

    (University of Waterloo
    University of Waterloo)

  • Zhiwen Chen

    (University of Toronto)

  • Yi Xiao

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Linke Huang

    (University of Toronto)

  • Xiyang Wang

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Holly Fruehwald

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Dmitry Akhmetzyanov

    (University of Waterloo
    University of Waterloo)

  • Mathew Hanson

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Zuolong Chen

    (University of Waterloo
    University of Waterloo)

  • Ning Chen

    (Canadian Light Source)

  • Brant Billinghurst

    (Canadian Light Source)

  • Rodney D. L. Smith

    (University of Waterloo
    University of Waterloo)

  • Chandra Veer Singh

    (University of Toronto
    University of Toronto)

  • Zhongchao Tan

    (University of Waterloo
    Eastern Institute of Technology)

  • Yimin A. Wu

    (University of Waterloo
    University of Waterloo
    University of Waterloo)

Abstract

Achieving large-scale electrochemical CO2 reduction to multicarbon products with high selectivity using membrane electrode assembly (MEA) electrolyzers in neutral electrolyte is promising for carbon neutrality. However, the unsatisfactory multicarbon products selectivity and unclear reaction mechanisms in an MEA have hindered its further development. Here, we report a strategy that manipulates the interfacial microenvironment of Cu nanoparticles in an MEA to suppress hydrogen evolution reaction and enhance C2H4 conversion. In situ multimodal characterizations consistently reveal well-stabilized Cuδ+-OH species as active sites during MEA testing. The OH radicals generated in situ from water create a locally oxidative microenvironment on the copper surface, stabilizing the Cuδ+ species and leading to an irreversible and asynchronous change in morphology and valence, yielding high-curvature nanowhiskers. Consequently, we deliver a selective C2H4 production with a Faradaic efficiency of 55.6% ± 2.8 at 316 mA cm−2 in neutral media.

Suggested Citation

  • Lei Wang & Zhiwen Chen & Yi Xiao & Linke Huang & Xiyang Wang & Holly Fruehwald & Dmitry Akhmetzyanov & Mathew Hanson & Zuolong Chen & Ning Chen & Brant Billinghurst & Rodney D. L. Smith & Chandra Veer, 2024. "Stabilized Cuδ+-OH species on in situ reconstructed Cu nanoparticles for CO2-to-C2H4 conversion in neutral media," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-52004-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52004-2
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