Work

Hydroxyl-rich Zn/Co-based bimetallic layered catalyst for enhanced CO2 electrolysis to CO

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Local CO 2 concentration and efficient electron transfer are critical for facilitating CO 2 activation. Herein, we developed a hydroxyl-rich Zn/Co layered double hydroxide (Zn 2 Co 3 (OH) 10 ∙2 H 2 O) via a facile solvothermal method. The electronic interaction between Zn and Co not only induces the formation of abundant oxygen vacancies but also creates electron-enriched Co sites, collectively establishing a highly synergistic catalytic center. Simultaneously, the rich hydroxyl groups on the catalyst surface enhance the local CO 2 concentration and serve as a proton reservoir. Owing to this unique configuration, the catalyst achieves a high Faradaic efficiency for CO (exceeding 88%) over a wide potential window (-1.13 V to −0.73 V vs. RHE) and a current density of 50 mA cm −2 . Mechanistic studies reveal that the synergistic center promotes the formation and stabilization of the key *COOH intermediate, enabling efficient CO 2 -to-CO conversion at a reduced overpotential. This work highlights the importance of engineering bimetallic electronic synergy in designing high-performance CO 2 reduction electrocatalysts.

Source: Journal of CO2 Utilization

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2026.103412

Authors: Hui Li, Aihong Zhang, Rou Jiang, Qian Zhang, Jun Du, Changyuan Tao

Institution: Chongqing University

Language: English

Topic: CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,360