In Situ Reconstruction of a Hierarchical Sn‐Cu/SnOx Core/Shell Catalyst for High‐Performance CO2 Electroreduction

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to give C₁ (formate and CO) products is one of the most techno‐economically achievable strategies for alleviating CO₂ emissions. Now, it is demonstrated that the SnO_x shell in Sn_2.7Cu catalyst with a hierarchical Sn‐Cu core can be reconstructed in situ under cathodic potentials of CO₂RR. The resulting Sn_2.7Cu catalyst achieves a high current density of 406.7±14.4 mA cm^?2 with C₁ Faradaic efficiency of 98.0±0.9 % at ?0.70 V vs. RHE, and remains stable at 243.1±19.2 mA cm^?2 with a C₁ Faradaic efficiency of 99.0±0.5 % for 40 h at ?0.55 V vs. RHE. DFT calculations indicate that the reconstructed Sn/SnO_x interface facilitates formic acid production by optimizing binding of the reaction intermediate HCOO* while promotes Faradaic efficiency of C₁ products by suppressing the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, resulting in high Faradaic efficiency, current density, and stability of CO₂RR at low overpotentials.     

In Situ Reconstruction of a Hierarchical Sn-Cu/SnOx Core/Shell Catalyst for High-Performance CO2 Electroreduction

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to give C₁ (formate and CO) products is one of the most techno-economically achievable strategies for alleviating CO₂ emissions. Now, it is demonstrated that the SnO_x shell in Sn_2.7Cu catalyst with a hierarchical Sn-Cu core can be reconstructed in situ under cathodic potentials of CO₂RR. The resulting Sn_2.7Cu catalyst achieves a high current density of 406.7±14.4 mA cm⁻² with C₁ Faradaic efficiency of 98.0±0.9 % at −0.70 V vs. RHE, and remains stable at 243.1±19.2 mA cm⁻² with a C₁ Faradaic efficiency of 99.0±0.5 % for 40 h at −0.55 V vs. RHE. DFT calculations indicate that the reconstructed Sn/SnO_x interface facilitates formic acid production by optimizing binding of the reaction intermediate HCOO* while promotes Faradaic efficiency of C₁ products by suppressing the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, resulting in high Faradaic efficiency, current density, and stability of CO₂RR at low overpotentials.     

Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Quantum Dots Enhance the Activity of Bi2O3 Nanosheets for Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 in a Wide Negative Potential Region

Large numbers of catalysts have been developed for the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to value‐added liquid fuels. However, it remains a challenge to maintain a high current efficiency in a wide negative potential range for achieving a high production rate of the target products. Herein, we report a 2D/0D composite catalyst composed of bismuth oxide nanosheets and nitrogen‐doped graphene quantum dots (Bi₂O₃‐NGQDs) for highly efficient electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to formate. Bi₂O₃‐NGQDs demonstrates a nearly 100 % formate Faraday efficiency (FE) at a moderate overpotential of 0.7 V with a good stability. Strikingly, Bi₂O₃‐NGQDs exhibit a high activity (average formate FE of 95.6 %) from ?0.9 V to ?1.2 V vs. RHE. Additionally, DFT calculations reveal that the origin of enhanced activity in this wide negative potential range can be attributed to the increased adsorption energy of CO₂(ads) and OCHO* intermediate after combination with NGQDs.     

Halogen-Incorporated Sn Catalysts for Selective Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Formate

Electrochemically reducing CO₂ to valuable fuels or feedstocks is recognized as a promising strategy to simultaneously tackle the crises of fossil fuel shortage and carbon emission. Sn-based catalysts have been widely studied for electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to make formic acid/formate, which unfortunately still suffer from low activity, selectivity and stability. In this work, halogen (F, Cl, Br or I) was introduced into the Sn catalyst by a facile hydrolysis method. The presence of halogen was confirmed by a collection of ex situ and in situ characterizations, which rendered a more positive valence state of Sn in halogen-incorporated Sn catalyst as compared to unmodified Sn under cathodic potentials in CO₂RR and therefore tuned the adsorption strength of the key intermediate (*OCHO) toward formate formation. As a result, the halogen-incorporated Sn catalyst exhibited greatly enhanced catalytic performance in electrochemical CO₂RR to produce formate.     

Mechanism of the Reverse Water–Gas Shift Reaction Catalyzed by Cu<Subscript>12</Subscript>TM Bimetallic Nanocluster: A Density Functional Theory Study

Density functional theory calculations were carried out to investigate Cu₁₂TM (TM = Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Ag, Au) bimetallic metal catalysts for the mechanism of reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction. The three possible reaction pathways relevant to the RWGS reaction are explored, including the CO₂ dissociation, carboxyl, and formate mechanisms. Our results indicate that the RWGS reaction prefers to follow the CO₂ dissociation mechanism on Cu₁₂TM surfaces. A detailed potential energy diagram of the kinetically favored mechanism is presented that shows that the RDS of reaction are the formation of H₂O and carboxyl (HOCO), formate (HCOO) dissociation, respectively. And, Cu₁₂TM (TM = Co, Pt) are lower than other catalysts from the energy barrier of elementary step. Moreover, the catalytic behavior of a Cu₁₂TM cluster is changed significantly due to the modifiers, via the electron transfer from TM to Cu-based cluster, and the activation barrier decreases with doped TM. The turnover frequency of the Cu₁₂Co is the highest value, which thus is more efficiency catalyst to RWGS reaction. To gain insights into the synergistic effect in catalytic activity of the Cu₁₂TM bimetallic cluster, a projected density of states analysis has been performed. Our works will be important for predicting the energetic trends and designing a better catalyst of RWGS reaction.     

Electrochemical Behavior of Cobalt-Dimethylglyoxime Complex Co(DMG)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>2</Subscript> in the Carbon Dioxide Reduction Process

The electrochemical behavior of a complex of cobalt with dimethylglyoxime Co(DMG)₂(H₂O)₂ is studied by cyclic voltametry. Peaks corresponding to redox transitions Co(III)/Co(II) and Co(II)/Co(I) are observed in the potential region 0.4 to ?1.8 V (Ag/AgCl). The product of reduction of the initial complex interacts with carbon dioxide to form a stable compound, probably an intermediate product of electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to CO in the presence of N₄-macrocyclic complexes of cobalt.     

Electrochemical Characterization of Archaeological Tin‐Opacified Lead‐Alkali Glazes and Their Corrosion Processes

The electrochemical response of weathered and unweathered archaeological tin‐opacified glazes attached to paraffin‐impregnated graphite electrodes is described. Upon comparison with the square wave voltammetric response of SnO₂, PbO and PbO₂, Sn‐ and Pb‐centered reduction processes can be characterized. Reduction of Sn(IV) involves the stepwise formation of solid Sn(II) and Sn metal, successively, at potentials of ?0.08 and ?0.55 V vs. AgCl/Ag. Reduction of network‐modifier Pb(II) in glazes occurs at ?0.5 V and is accompanied by the reduction of network‐forming Pb(IV) at potentials ranging from +0.65 to +0.20 V, confirming the presence of such centers in glazes. Voltammetric data suggest the presence of small amounts of Sn(II) resulting from the reduction of cassiterite during the firing process. A series of correlations between the peak currents can be established, indicating that the weathering process obeys a kinetic process rather than a equilibrium‐like situation.     

Effect of sodium cation on the electrochemical reduction of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> at a copper electrode in methanol

The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ with a Cu electrode in methanol was investigated with sodium hydroxide supporting salt. A divided H-type cell was employed; the supporting electrolytes were 80 mmol dm⁻³ sodium hydroxide in methanol (catholyte) and 300 mmol dm⁻³ potassium hydroxide in methanol (anolyte). The main products from CO₂ were methane, ethylene, carbon monoxide, and formic acid. The maximum current efficiency for hydrocarbons (methane and ethylene) was 80.6%, at −4.0 V vs Ag/AgCl, saturated KCl. The ratio of current efficiency for methane/ethylene, r _f(CH₄)/r _f(C₂H₄), was similar to those obtained in LiOH/methanol-based electrolyte and larger relative to those in methanol using KOH, RbOH, and CsOH supporting salts. In NaOH/methanol-based electrolyte, the efficiency of hydrogen formation, a competing reaction of CO₂ reduction, was suppressed to below 4%. The electrochemical CO₂ reduction to methane may be able to proceed efficiently in a hydrophilic environment near the electrode surface provided by sodium cation.     

In Situ Bismuth Nanosheet Assembly for Highly Selective Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Formate

The reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into value-added fuels using an electrochemical method has been regarded as a compelling sustainable energy conversion technology. However, high-performance electrocatalysts for CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) with high formate selectivity and good stability need to be improved. Earth-abundant Bi has been demonstrated to be active for CO₂RR to formate. Herein, we fabricated an extremely active and selective bismuth nanosheet (Bi-NSs) assembly via an in situ electrochemical transformation of (BiO)₂CO₃ nanostructures. The as-prepared material exhibits high activity and selectivity for CO₂RR to formate, with nearly 94% faradaic efficiency at −1.03 V (versus reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE)) and stable selectivity (>90%) in a large potential window ranging from −0.83 to −1.18 V (vs. RHE) and excellent durability during 12 h continuous electrolysis. In addition, the Bi-NSs based CO₂RR/methanol oxidation reaction (CO₂RR/MOR) electrolytic system for overall CO₂ splitting was constructed, evidencing the feasibility of its practical implementation.     

SrO-layer insertion in Ruddlesden–Popper Sn-based perovskite enables efficient CO2 electroreduction towards formate

Tin (Sn)-based oxides have been proved to be promising catalysts for the electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to formate (HCOO⁻). However, their performance is limited by their reductive transformation into metallic derivatives during the cathodic reaction. This paper describes the catalytic chemistry of a Sr₂SnO₄ electrocatalyst with a Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskite structure for the CO₂RR. The Sr₂SnO₄ electrocatalyst exhibits a faradaic efficiency of 83.7% for HCOO⁻ at −1.08 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode with stability for over 24 h. The insertion of the SrO-layer in the RP structure of Sr₂SnO₄ leads to a change in the filling status of the anti-bonding orbitals of the Sn active sites, which optimizes the binding energy of *OCHO and results in high selectivity for HCOO⁻. At the same time, the interlayer interaction between interfacial octahedral layers and the SrO-layers makes the crystalline structure stable during the CO₂RR. This study would provide fundamental guidelines for the exploration of perovskite-based electrocatalysts to achieve consistently high selectivity in the CO₂RR.

This paper describes how the insertion of a SrO-layer in Ruddlesden–Popper Sr₂SnO₄ perovskite electrocatalysts promotes CO₂ reduction towards formate via *OCHO intermediate. A faradaic efficiency of 83.7% and stability for over 24 h were obtained.     

Bioelectrocatalytic CO2 Reduction by Mo-Dependent Formylmethanofuran Dehydrogenase

Massive efforts are invested in developing innovative CO₂-sequestration strategies to counter climate change and transform CO₂ into higher-value products. CO₂-capture by reduction is a chemical challenge, and attention is turned toward biological systems that selectively and efficiently catalyse this reaction under mild conditions and in aqueous solvents. While a few reports have evaluated the effectiveness of isolated bacterial formate dehydrogenases as catalysts for the reversible electrochemical reduction of CO₂, it is imperative to explore other enzymes among the natural reservoir of potential models that might exhibit higher turnover rates or preferential directionality for the reductive reaction. Here, we present electroenzymatic catalysis of formylmethanofuran dehydrogenase, a CO₂-reducing-and-fixing biomachinery isolated from a thermophilic methanogen, which was deposited on a graphite rod electrode to enable direct electron transfer for electroenzymatic CO₂ reduction. The gas is reduced with a high Faradaic efficiency (109±1 %), where a low affinity for formate prevents its electrochemical reoxidation and favours formate accumulation. These properties make the enzyme an excellent tool for electroenzymatic CO₂-fixation and inspiration for protein engineering that would be beneficial for biotechnological purposes to convert the greenhouse gas into stable formate that can subsequently be safely stored, transported, and used for power generation without energy loss.     

Facile Insertion of Carbon Dioxide into Cu2(μ‐H) Dinuclear Units Supported by Tetraphosphine Ligands

Reactions of meso‐bis[(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phenylphosphino]methane (dpmppm) with Cu^I species in the presence of NaBH₄ afforded di‐ and tetranuclear copper hydride complexes, [Cu₂(μ‐H)(μ‐dpmppm)₂]X ( 1 ) and [Cu₄(μ‐H)₂(μ₄‐H)(μ‐dpmppm)₂]X ( 2 ) (X=BF₄, PF₆). Complex 1 undergoes facile insertion of CO₂ (1 atm) at room temperature, leading to a formate‐bridged dicopper complex [Cu₂(μ‐HCOO)(dpmppm)₂]X ( 3 ). The experimental and DFT theoretical studies clearly demonstrate that CO₂ insertion into the Cu₂(μ‐H) unit occurred with the flexible dicopper platform. Complex 2 also undergoes CO₂ insertion to give a formate‐bridged complex, [Cu₄(μ‐HCOO)₃(dpmppm)₂]X, during which the square Cu₄ framework opened up to a linear tetranuclear chain.     

An Integrated CO2 Electrolyzer and Formate Fuel Cell Enabled by a Reversibly Restructuring Pb–Pd Bimetallic Catalyst

A single device combining the functions of a CO₂ electrolyzer and a formate fuel cell is a new option for carbon‐neutral energy storage but entails rapid, reversible and stable interconversion between CO₂ and formate over a single catalyst electrode. We report a new catalyst with such functionalities based on a Pb–Pd alloy system that reversibly restructures its phase, composition, and morphology and thus alters its catalytic properties under controlled electrochemical conditions. Under cathodic conditions, the catalyst is relatively Pb‐rich and is active for CO₂‐to‐formate conversion over a wide potential range; under anodic conditions, it becomes relatively Pd‐rich and gains stable catalytic activity for formate‐to‐CO₂ conversion. The bifunctional activity and superior durability of our Pb–Pd catalyst leads to the first proof‐of‐concept demonstration of an electrochemical cell that can switch between the CO₂ electrolyzer/formate fuel cell modes and can stably operate for 12 days.     

Gas diffusion hindrances on Ni cermet anode in contact with Zr<Subscript>0.84</Subscript>Y<Subscript>0.16</Subscript>O<Subscript>1.92</Subscript> solid electrolyte

The electrochemical behavior of Ni cermet electrode with CeO_{2 ? x} additive in contact with YSZ electrode was studied by means of impedance spectroscopy in H₂, H₂O, CO₂, CO, He, and Ar gas media of various composition within the temperature range of 700 to 950°C. Near the equilibrium potential, the electrochemical impedance spectra of the studied electrodes indicate to three stages of electrode reaction. The polarization conductivity of the low-frequency stage of electrode reaction (σ_lf) is characterized with the following regularities: (a) temperature dependence of σ_lf has a positive slope in Arrhenius coordinates; (b) σ_lf increases upon replacement of gas mixture with lower mutual diffusion coefficient by mixture with higher mutual diffusion coefficient, while polarization conductivity values of other stages remain practically invariable; (c) concentration relationships of 1/σ_lfrecorded for constant activity of oxygen in the gas phase are linear in the 1/σ_lf vs. 1/P _{CO 2} (P _CO) coordinates; (d) no low-frequency stage of the electrode reaction is observed upon electrochemical inflow (outflow) of the gas reagents (reaction products) to (from) the test electrodes (current passing through closely pressed specimens and central specimen impedance measurement); and (e) no change in the gas flow rate affects σ_lf value. The observed regularities were explained by assuming the gas diffusion nature of the low-frequency stage of the electrode reaction. The gas diffusion layer thickness was estimated.     

High-efficiency electrochemical CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-to-methane reduction method using aqueous KHCO<Subscript>3</Subscript> media at less than 273 K

The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ with a Cu electrode in a KHCO₃ aqueous solution was investigated at low temperature. A divided H-type cell was employed; the electrolyte was a 1.1 mol dm^–3 KHCO₃ aqueous solution. The temperature during the electrolysis of CO₂ was reduced to 269 K. Methane, ethylene, and formic acid were obtained from CO₂ as the main products. The maximum faradaic efficiency of methane was 44% at a relatively negative potential and 269 K. The efficiency of hydrogen formation, as the competition against CO₂ reduction, significantly decreased with lowering the temperature. On the basis of this work, the high-efficiency electrochemical CO₂ to methane conversion method appears to be achieved. Electronic Publication     

Metal–Organic Framework‐Derived Carbon Nanorods Encapsulating Bismuth Oxides for Rapid and Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Formate

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) conversion is promising in alleviating the excessive CO₂ level and simultaneously producing valuables. This work reports the preparation of carbon nanorods encapsulated bismuth oxides for the efficient CO₂ electroconversion toward formate production. This resultant catalyst exhibits a small onset potential of ?0.28 V vs. RHE and partial current density of over 200 mA cm^?2 with a stable and high Faradaic efficiency of 93 % for formate generation in a flow cell configuration. Electrochemical results demonstrate the synergistic effect in the Bi₂O₃@C promotes the rapid and selective CO₂ reduction in which the Bi₂O₃ is beneficial for improving the reaction kinetics and formate selectivity, while the carbon matrix would be helpful for enhancing the activity and current density of formate production. This work provides effective bismuth‐based MOF derivatives for efficient formate production and offers insights in promoting practical CO₂ conversion technology.     

Electrochemical and FTIR spectroscopic study of CO2 reduction at a nanostructured Cu/reduced graphene oxide thin film

Here we report a facile approach to synthesize a novel nanostructured thin film comprising Cu nanoparticles (NPs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) via the direct electrochemical reduction of a mixture of cupper and graphene oxide (GO) precursors. The effect of the applied potential on the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ was investigated using linear sweep voltammetric (LSV) and chronoamperometric (CA) techniques. Carbon monoxide and formate were found as the main products based on our GC and HPLC analysis. The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ at the Cu/rGO thin film was further studied using in situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to identify the liquid product formed at different applied cathodic potentials. Our experimental measurements have shown that the nanostructured Cu/rGO thin film exhibits an excellent stability and superb catalytic activity for the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ in an aqueous solution with a high current efficiency of 69.4% at − 0.6 V vs. RHE, promising for the efficient electrochemical conversion of CO₂ to valuable products.     

Overall Carbon-neutral Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 in Molten Salts using a Liquid Metal Sn Cathode

An overall carbon-neutral CO₂ electroreduction requires enhanced conversion efficiency and intensified functionality of CO₂-derived products to balance the carbon footprint from CO₂ electroreduction against fixed CO₂. A liquid Sn cathode is herein introduced into electrochemical reduction of CO₂ in molten salts to fabricate core–shell Sn−C spheres (Sn@C). An in situ generated Li₂SnO₃/C directs a self-template formation of Sn@C. Benefitting from the accelerated reaction kinetics from the liquid Sn cathode and the core–shell structure of Sn@C, a CO₂-fixation current efficiency higher than 84 % and a high reversible lithium-storage capacity of Sn@C are achieved. The versatility of this strategy is demonstrated by other low melting point metals, such as Zn and Bi. This process integrates energy-efficient CO₂ conversion and template-free fabrication of value-added metal-carbon, achieving an overall carbon-neutral electrochemical reduction of CO₂.     

In Situ Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of Cobalt‐Phthalocyanine‐Catalyzed CO2 Reduction Reaction

We report a molecular investigation of a cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc)‐catalyzed CO₂ reduction reaction by electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (ECSTM). An ordered adlayer of CoPc was prepared on Au(111). Approximately 14 % of the adsorbed species appeared with high contrast in a CO₂‐purged electrolyte environment. The ECSTM experiments indicate the proportion of high‐contrast species correlated with the reduction of Co^IIPc (?0.2 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE)). The high‐contrast species is ascribed to the CoPc‐CO₂ complex, which is further confirmed by theoretical simulation. The sharp contrast change from CoPc‐CO₂ to CoPc is revealed by in situ ECSTM characterization of the reaction. Potential step experiments provide dynamic information for the initial stage of the reaction, which include the reduction of CoPc and the binding of CO₂, and the latter is the rate‐limiting step. The rate constant of the formation and dissociation of CoPc‐CO₂ is estimated on the basis of the in situ ECSTM experiment.     

Exclusive Formation of Formic Acid from CO2 Electroreduction by a Tunable Pd‐Sn Alloy

Conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into fuels and chemicals by electroreduction has attracted significant interest, although it suffers from a large overpotential and low selectivity. A Pd‐Sn alloy electrocatalyst was developed for the exclusive conversion of CO₂ into formic acid in an aqueous solution. This catalyst showed a nearly perfect faradaic efficiency toward formic acid formation at the very low overpotential of −0.26 V, where both CO formation and hydrogen evolution were completely suppressed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggested that the formation of the key reaction intermediate HCOO* as well as the product formic acid was the most favorable over the Pd‐Sn alloy catalyst surface with an atomic composition of PdSnO₂, consistent with experiments.