Work

Strategic Modulation of CO Intermediate Desorption Dynamics on Bimetallic Ni x Cu y @NC Catalyst: Synergistic Electrocatalysis for Sustainable CO 2 Conversion

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Bimetallic catalysts are appealing for electrochemical CO 2 reduction reaction (ECO2RR), yet the introduction of bimetallic sites leads to an incomprehensive understanding of the metal atom interaction and catalytic mechanism. In this study, a series of bimetallic Ni x Cu y @NC catalysts with varied Ni to Cu weight ratios are prepared. The as‐prepared Ni 2 Cu 1 @NC catalyst shows high carbon monoxide (CO) Faradaic efficiencies (FE CO ) over 90% in a broad potential range of −0.7 to −1.1 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) with an exceptional durability of CO selectivity over 80% and a high partial current density of −44 mA cm −2 at an extremely high potential of −1.3 V (vs RHE). The distinguished CO selectivity and activity are primarily attributed to the integration of Ni and Cu, which lowers the d ‐band center position and reconstructs the electronic structure according to the valence band spectra. More specifically, the downshifted d ‐band center position weakens the interaction strength with the *CO intermediate on the Ni 2 Cu 1 @NC catalyst's surface during the ECO2RR process, resulting in fast *CO desorption and high CO selectivity. This study provides researchers with a new insight for designing and optimizing the electrocatalysts for ECO2RR.

Source: Small

DOI: 10.1002/smll.202505306