Pulsed electrolysis controls copper restructuring via dissolution–redeposition to prolong selective CO2 reduction to ethylene
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Pulsed electrolysis is known to enhance the stability of electrochemical CO 2 reduction (ECO 2 R) on copper, yet the mechanistic origin of this effect remains poorly understood. Using identical-location electron microscopy in combination with operando impedance spectroscopy, we show that pulsed operation induces continuous and dynamic restructuring of the copper surface. Over 23 h of electrolysis, the catalyst evolved from its initial morphology into a grain-like architecture decorated with dendritic features enriched in high-index facets. This structural evolution was accompanied by a steady increase in the ethylene-to-hydrogen selectivity ratio. Quantitative analysis of the electrolyte during pulsed electrolysis revealed an approximately 30-fold increase in dissolved copper species compared to static operation, identifying redirected dissolution–redeposition of copper as the central mechanistic pathway by which pulsing governs morphology evolution and, consequently, ECO 2 R selectivity. ● Pulsed CO₂ electroreduction redirects copper dissolution–redeposition dynamics. ● Operando EIS and IL-SEM link copper restructuring to stability and selectivity. ● Pulsing sustains ethylene selectivity for one day without activity loss. ● Oxidation–reduction cycles induce dendritic copper growth. ● Stability arises from controlled catalyst instability, not structural suppression.
Source: Journal of CO2 Utilization
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,360
Awards: G1536223505, Electrochemically grown bimetallic Cu-Zn nanostructured catalysts for cost efficient electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction into added-value chemicals, G2136181103, Unlocking the Selective Catalytic Conversion Processes of CO2 to Ethanol – UliSess, G3313664855, Advanced materials for low-carbon and sustainable society, Textile Chemistry and Advanced Textile Materials, G5839465398, Decoding the Fundamentals of Electrochemical Interface Breakdown at the Atomic Level, CHRONOSTORE: Chemical Energy Storage Solutions Across Temporal Scales for Climate-Resilient Renewable Energy Systems, Pt-based intermetallic alloy catalysts for improved performance of high-temperature PEM fuel cells with reduced Pt loading, Towards Nanostructured Electrocatalysts with Superior Stability, G7873770843, Fundamental understanding of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction for a new generation of nickel-based electrocatalysts in alkaline water and chlor-alkali electrolysis, Artificial Intelligence for Science, Analytics and Chemical Characterization of Materials and Processes, Chemistry and structure of biologically active compounds, Enhancing the Performance of Energy Conversion and Storage Systems through 2D Modified Electrochemical Interfaces
OpenAlex ID: W7129083622