1
|
Zhang Y, Chen Y, Wang X, Feng Y, Dai Z, Cheng M, Zhang G. Low-coordinated copper facilitates the *CH 2CO affinity at enhanced rectifying interface of Cu/Cu 2O for efficient CO 2-to-multicarbon alcohols conversion. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5172. [PMID: 38890306 PMCID: PMC11189494 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49247-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The carbon-carbon coupling at the Cu/Cu2O Schottky interface has been widely recognized as a promising approach for electrocatalytic CO2 conversion into value-added alcohols. However, the limited selectivity of C2+ alcohols persists due to the insufficient control over rectifying interface characteristics required for precise bonding of oxyhydrocarbons. Herein, we present an investigation into the manipulation of the coordination environment of Cu sites through an in-situ electrochemical reconstruction strategy, which indicates that the construction of low-coordinated Cu sites at the Cu/Cu2O interface facilitates the enhanced rectifying interfaces, and induces asymmetric electronic perturbation and faster electron exchange, thereby boosting C-C coupling and bonding oxyhydrocarbons towards the nucleophilic reaction process of *H2CCO-CO. Impressively, the low-coordinated Cu sites at the Cu/Cu2O interface exhibit superior faradic efficiency of 64.15 ± 1.92% and energy efficiency of ~39.32% for C2+ alcohols production, while maintaining stability for over 50 h (faradic efficiency >50%, total current density = 200 mA cm-2) in a flow-cell electrolyzer. Theoretical calculations, operando synchrotron radiation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman experiments decipher that the low-coordinated Cu sites at the Cu/Cu2O interface can enhance the coverage of *CO and adsorption of *CH2CO and CH2CHO, facilitating the formation of C2+ alcohols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanxu Chen
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yafei Feng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zechuan Dai
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingyu Cheng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Genqiang Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Z, Xu L, Zhou Y, Liang Y, Yang J, Wu D, Zhang S, Han X, Shi X, Li J, Yuan Y, Deng P, Tian X. Stabilizing the oxidation state of catalysts for effective electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:6295-6321. [PMID: 38722208 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00887h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
In the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), metal catalysts with an oxidation state generally demonstrate more favorable catalytic activity and selectivity than their corresponding metallic counterparts. However, the persistence of oxidative metal sites under reductive potentials is challenging since the transition to metallic states inevitably leads to catalytic degradation. Herein, a thorough review of research on oxidation-state stabilization in the CO2RR is presented, starting from fundamental concepts and highlighting the importance of oxidation state stabilization while revealing the relevance of dynamic oxidation states in product distribution. Subsequently, the functional mechanisms of various oxidation-state protection strategies are explained in detail, and in situ detection techniques are discussed. Finally, the prevailing and prospective challenges associated with oxidation-state protection research are discussed, identifying innovative opportunities for mechanistic insights, technology upgrades, and industrial platforms to enable the commercialization of the CO2RR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhitong Wang
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Lizhi Xu
- Hainan Provincial Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Centre, Haikou 571126, China
| | - Yansong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Science and Technology, Institute for Electric Light Sources, School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ying Liang
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Jinlin Yang
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Daoxiong Wu
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Science and Technology, Institute for Electric Light Sources, School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xingqi Han
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Xiaodong Shi
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Jing Li
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Yuliang Yuan
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Peilin Deng
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Xinlong Tian
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jun M, Kundu J, Kim DH, Kim M, Kim D, Lee K, Choi SI. Strategies to Modulate the Copper Oxidation State Toward Selective C 2+ Production in the Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction Reaction. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2313028. [PMID: 38346313 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The electrochemical reduction of CO2 to form value-added chemicals receives considerable attention in recent years. Copper (Cu) is recognized as the only element capable of electro-reducing CO2 into hydrocarbons with two or more carbon atoms (C2+), but the low product selectivity of the Cu-based catalyst remains a major technological challenge to overcome. Therefore, identification of the structural features of Cu-based catalysts is of great importance for the highly selective production of C2+ products (ethylene, ethanol, n-propanol, etc.), and the oxidation state of Cu species in the catalysts is found critical to the catalyst performance. This review introduces recent efforts to fine-tune the oxidation state of Cu to increase carbon capture and produce specific C2+ compounds, with the intention of greatly expediting the advance in the catalyst designs. It also points to the remaining challenges and fruitful research directions for the development of Cu-based catalysts that can shape the practical CO2 reduction technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minki Jun
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joyjit Kundu
- Department of Chemistry and Green-Nano Materials Research Center, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Duck Hyun Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Minah Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongyong Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangyeol Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Il Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Green-Nano Materials Research Center, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Albertini PP, Newton MA, Wang M, Segura Lecina O, Green PB, Stoian DC, Oveisi E, Loiudice A, Buonsanti R. Hybrid oxide coatings generate stable Cu catalysts for CO 2 electroreduction. NATURE MATERIALS 2024; 23:680-687. [PMID: 38366155 PMCID: PMC11068572 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-024-01819-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Hybrid organic/inorganic materials have contributed to solve important challenges in different areas of science. One of the biggest challenges for a more sustainable society is to have active and stable catalysts that enable the transition from fossil fuel to renewable feedstocks, reduce energy consumption and minimize the environmental footprint. Here we synthesize novel hybrid materials where an amorphous oxide coating with embedded organic ligands surrounds metallic nanocrystals. We demonstrate that the hybrid coating is a powerful means to create electrocatalysts stable against structural reconstruction during the CO2 electroreduction. These electrocatalysts consist of copper nanocrystals encapsulated in a hybrid organic/inorganic alumina shell. This shell locks a fraction of the copper surface into a reduction-resistant Cu2+ state, which inhibits those redox processes responsible for the structural reconstruction of copper. The electrocatalyst activity is preserved, which would not be possible with a conventional dense alumina coating. Varying the shell thickness and the coating morphology yields fundamental insights into the stabilization mechanism and emphasizes the importance of the Lewis acidity of the shell in relation to the retention of catalyst structure. The synthetic tunability of the chemistry developed herein opens new avenues for the design of stable electrocatalysts and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petru P Albertini
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Mark A Newton
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Min Wang
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Ona Segura Lecina
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Philippe B Green
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Dragos C Stoian
- Swiss-Norwegian Beamlines, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France
| | - Emad Oveisi
- Interdisciplinary Center for Electron Microscopy, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anna Loiudice
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Raffaella Buonsanti
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cousins LS, Creissen CE. Multiscale effects in tandem CO 2 electrolysis to C 2+ products. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:3915-3925. [PMID: 38099592 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05547g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
CO2 electrolysis is a sustainable technology capable of accelerating global decarbonisation through the production of high-value alternatives to fossil-derived products. CO2 conversion can generate critical multicarbon (C2+) products such as drop-in chemicals ethylene and ethanol, however achieving high selectivity from single-component catalysts is often limited by the competitive formation of C1 products. Tandem catalysis can overcome C2+ selectivity limitations through the incorporation of a component that generates a high concentration of CO, the primary reactant involved in the C-C coupling step to form C2+ products. A wide range of approaches to promote tandem CO2 electrolysis have been presented in recent literature that span atomic-scale manipulation to device-scale engineering. Therefore, an understanding of multiscale effects that contribute to selectivity alterations are required to develop effective tandem systems. In this review, we use relevant examples to highlight the complex and interlinked contributions to selectivity and provide an outlook for future development of tandem CO2 electrolysis systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lewis S Cousins
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.
| | - Charles E Creissen
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guo ST, Du YW, Luo H, Zhu Z, Ouyang T, Liu ZQ. Stabilizing Undercoordinated Zn Active Sites through Confinement in CeO 2 Nanotubes for Efficient Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202314099. [PMID: 38059828 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202314099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Zn-based catalysts hold great potential to replace the noble metal-based ones for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR). Undercoordinated Zn (Znδ+ ) sites may serve as the active sites for enhanced CO production by optimizing the binding energy of *COOH intermediates. However, there is relatively less exploration into the dynamic evolution and stability of Znδ+ sites during CO2 reduction process. Herein, we present ZnO, Znδ+ /ZnO and Zn as catalysts by varying the applied reduction potential. Theoretical studies reveal that Znδ+ sites could suppress HER and HCOOH production to induce CO generation. And Znδ+ /ZnO presents the highest CO selectivity (FECO 70.9 % at -1.48 V vs. RHE) compared to Zn and ZnO. Furthermore, we propose a CeO2 nanotube with confinement effect and Ce3+ /Ce4+ redox to stabilize Znδ+ species. The hollow core-shell structure of the Znδ+ /ZnO/CeO2 catalyst enables to extremely expose electrochemically active area while maintaining the Znδ+ sites with long-time stability. Certainly, the target catalyst affords a FECO of 76.9 % at -1.08 V vs. RHE and no significant decay of CO selectivity in excess of 18 h.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Tong Guo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center/Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Wei Du
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center/Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Huihua Luo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center/Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Ziyin Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center/Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Ting Ouyang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center/Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Zhao-Qing Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center/Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen X, Jia S, Chen C, Jiao J, Zhai J, Deng T, Xue C, Cheng H, Dong M, Xia W, Zeng J, Xing X, Wu H, He M, Han B. Highly Stable Layered Coordination Polymer Electrocatalyst toward Efficient CO 2 -to-CH 4 Conversion. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2310273. [PMID: 37974514 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Cu2+ -based materials, a class of promising catalysts for the electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2 RR) to value-added chemicals, usually undergo inevitable and uncontrollable reorganization processes during the reaction, resulting in catalyst deactivation or the new active sites formation and bringing great challenges to exploring their structure-performance relationships. Herein, a facile strategy is reported for constructing Cu2+ and 3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) coordination to stabilize Cu2+ ions to prepare a novel layered coordination polymer (CuPEDOT). CuPEDOT enables selective reduction of CO2 to CH4 with 62.7% Faradaic efficiency at the current density of 354 mA cm-2 in a flow cell, and the catalyst is stable for at least 15 h. In situ spectroscopic characterization and theoretical calculations reveal that CuPEDOT catalyst can maintain the Cu2+ -EDOT coordination structurally stable in CO2 RR and significantly promote the further hydrogenation of *CO intermediates, favoring the formation of CH4 instead of dimerization to C2 products. The strong coordination between EDOT and Cu2+ prevents the reduction of Cu2+ ions during CO2 RR. The finding of this work provides a new perspective on designing molecularly stable, highly active catalysts for CO2 RR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, 20 Cuiniao Road, Chenjia Town, Chongming District, Shanghai, 202162, P. R. China
| | - Shuaiqiang Jia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, 20 Cuiniao Road, Chenjia Town, Chongming District, Shanghai, 202162, P. R. China
| | - Chunjun Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, 20 Cuiniao Road, Chenjia Town, Chongming District, Shanghai, 202162, P. R. China
| | - Jiapeng Jiao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, 20 Cuiniao Road, Chenjia Town, Chongming District, Shanghai, 202162, P. R. China
| | - Jianxin Zhai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, 20 Cuiniao Road, Chenjia Town, Chongming District, Shanghai, 202162, P. R. China
| | - Ting Deng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, 20 Cuiniao Road, Chenjia Town, Chongming District, Shanghai, 202162, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Xue
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, 20 Cuiniao Road, Chenjia Town, Chongming District, Shanghai, 202162, P. R. China
| | - Hailian Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
| | - Mengke Dong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
| | - Wei Xia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, 20 Cuiniao Road, Chenjia Town, Chongming District, Shanghai, 202162, P. R. China
| | - Jianrong Zeng
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201204, P. R. China
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, P. R. China
| | - Xueqing Xing
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Haihong Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, 20 Cuiniao Road, Chenjia Town, Chongming District, Shanghai, 202162, P. R. China
| | - Mingyuan He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, 20 Cuiniao Road, Chenjia Town, Chongming District, Shanghai, 202162, P. R. China
| | - Buxing Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, 20 Cuiniao Road, Chenjia Town, Chongming District, Shanghai, 202162, P. R. China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen R, Zhao J, Li Y, Cui Y, Lu YR, Hung SF, Wang S, Wang W, Huo G, Zhao Y, Liu W, Wang J, Xiao H, Li X, Huang Y, Liu B. Operando Mössbauer Spectroscopic Tracking the Metastable State of Atomically Dispersed Tin in Copper Oxide for Selective CO 2 Electroreduction. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:20683-20691. [PMID: 37683296 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c06738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Metastable state is the most active catalyst state that dictates the overall catalytic performance and rules of catalytic behaviors; however, identification and stabilization of the metastable state of catalyst are still highly challenging due to the continuous evolution of catalytic sites during the reaction process. In this work, operando 119Sn Mössbauer measurements and theoretical simulations were performed to track and identify the metastable state of single-atom Sn in copper oxide (Sn1-CuO) for highly selective CO2 electroreduction to CO. A maximum CO Faradaic efficiency of around 98% at -0.8 V (vs. RHE) over Sn1-CuO was achieved at an optimized Sn loading of 5.25 wt. %. Operando Mössbauer spectroscopy clearly identified the dynamic evolution of atomically dispersed Sn4+ sites in the CuO matrix that enabled the in situ transformation of Sn4+-O4-Cu2+ to a metastable state Sn4+-O3-Cu+ under CO2RR conditions. In combination with quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, operando Raman and attenuated total reflectance surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopies, the promoted desorption of *CO over the Sn4+-O3 stabilized adjacent Cu+ site was evidenced. In addition, density functional theory calculations further verified that the in situ construction of Sn4+-O3-Cu+ as the true catalytic site altered the reaction path via modifying the adsorption configuration of the *COOH intermediate, which effectively reduced the reaction free energy required for the hydrogenation of CO2 and the desorption of the *CO, thereby greatly facilitating the CO2-to-CO conversion. This work provides a fundamental insight into the role of single Sn atoms on in situ tuning the electronic structure of Cu-based catalysts, which may pave the way for the development of efficient catalysts for high-selectivity CO2 electroreduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruru Chen
- Department of Chemical Physics, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Vacuum Interconnected Nanotech Workstation, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yi Cui
- Vacuum Interconnected Nanotech Workstation, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ying-Rui Lu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 30076, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Fu Hung
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Shifu Wang
- Department of Chemical Physics, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Weijue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Guodong Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Junhu Wang
- Center for Advanced Mössbauer Spectroscopy, Mössbauer Effect Data Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Hai Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuning Li
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yanqiang Huang
- Department of Chemical Physics, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Niu W, Chen Z, Guo W, Mao W, Liu Y, Guo Y, Chen J, Huang R, Kang L, Ma Y, Yan Q, Ye J, Cui C, Zhang L, Wang P, Xu X, Zhang B. Pb-rich Cu grain boundary sites for selective CO-to-n-propanol electroconversion. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4882. [PMID: 37573371 PMCID: PMC10423280 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40689-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrochemical carbon monoxide (CO) reduction to high-energy-density fuels provides a potential way for chemical production and intermittent energy storage. As a valuable C3 species, n-propanol still suffers from a relatively low Faradaic efficiency (FE), sluggish conversion rate and poor stability. Herein, we introduce an "atomic size misfit" strategy to modulate active sites, and report a facile synthesis of a Pb-doped Cu catalyst with numerous atomic Pb-concentrated grain boundaries. Operando spectroscopy studies demonstrate that these Pb-rich Cu-grain boundary sites exhibit stable low coordination and can achieve a stronger CO adsorption for a higher surface CO coverage. Using this Pb-Cu catalyst, we achieve a CO-to-n-propanol FE (FEpropanol) of 47 ± 3% and a half-cell energy conversion efficiency (EE) of 25% in a flow cell. When applied in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) device, a stable FEpropanol above 30% and the corresponding full-cell EE of over 16% are maintained for over 100 h with the n-propanol partial current above 300 mA (5 cm2 electrode). Furthermore, operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy and theoretical studies reveal that the structurally-flexible Pb-Cu surface can adaptively stabilize the key intermediates, which strengthens the *CO binding while maintaining the C-C coupling ability, thus promoting the CO-to-n-propanol conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhe Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Chemistry, MOE Key Laboratory of Computational Physical Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wei Mao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yunna Guo
- Clean Nano Energy Center, State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Jingzhao Chen
- Clean Nano Energy Center, State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Rui Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Lin Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yiwen Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Qisheng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jinyu Ye
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Chunyu Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Clean Nano Energy Center, State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Peng Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Chemistry, MOE Key Laboratory of Computational Physical Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory, Hefei, 230088, China.
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Elnagar MM, Menezes PV, Parada WA, Mattausch Y, Kibler LA, Mayrhofer KJJ, Jacob T. Tailoring Cu Electrodes for Enhanced CO 2 Electroreduction through Plasma Electrolysis in Non-Conventional Phosphorus-Oxoanion-Based Electrolytes. CHEMSUSCHEM 2023:e202300934. [PMID: 37544913 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202300934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
This study presents a green, ultra-fast, and facile technique for the fabrication of micro/nano-structured and porous Cu electrodes through in-liquid plasma electrolysis using phosphorous-oxoanion-based electrolytes. Besides the preferential surface faceting, the Cu electrodes exhibit unique surface structures, including octahedral nanocrystals besides nanoporous and microporous structures, depending on the employed electrolyte. The incorporation of P-atoms into the Cu surfaces is observed. The modified Cu electrodes display increased roughness, leading to higher current densities for CO2 electroreduction reaction. The selectivity of the modified Cu electrodes towards C2 products is highest for the Cu electrodes treated in Na2 HPO3 and Na3 PO4 electrolytes, whereas those treated in Na2 H2 PO2 produce the most H2 . The Cu electrode treated in Na3 PO4 produces ethylene (23 %) at -1.1 V vs. RHE, and a comparable amount of acetaldehyde (15 %) that is typically observed for Cu(110) single crystals. The enhanced selectivity is attributed to several factors, including the surface morphology, the incorporation of phosphorus into the Cu structure, and the formation of Cu(110) facets. Our results not only advance our understanding of the influence of the electrolyte's nature on the plasma electrolysis of Cu electrodes, but also underscores the potential of in-liquid plasma treatment for developing efficient Cu electrocatalysts for sustainable CO2 conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pramod V Menezes
- Institute of Electrochemistry, Ulm University, 89069, Ulm, Germany
| | - Walter A Parada
- Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN), Egerlandstr. 3, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Ludwig A Kibler
- Institute of Electrochemistry, Ulm University, 89069, Ulm, Germany
| | - Karl J J Mayrhofer
- Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN), Egerlandstr. 3, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Timo Jacob
- Institute of Electrochemistry, Ulm University, 89069, Ulm, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute-Ulm (HIU) Electrochemical Energy Storage, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), P.O. Box 3640, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Okatenko V, Loiudice A, Newton MA, Stoian DC, Blokhina A, Chen AN, Rossi K, Buonsanti R. Alloying as a Strategy to Boost the Stability of Copper Nanocatalysts during the Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction Reaction. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:5370-5383. [PMID: 36847799 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c13437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Copper nanocatalysts are among the most promising candidates to drive the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, the stability of such catalysts during operation is sub-optimal, and improving this aspect of catalyst behavior remains a challenge. Here, we synthesize well-defined and tunable CuGa nanoparticles (NPs) and demonstrate that alloying Cu with Ga considerably improves the stability of the nanocatalysts. In particular, we discover that CuGa NPs containing 17 at. % Ga preserve most of their CO2RR activity for at least 20 h while Cu NPs of the same size reconstruct and lose their CO2RR activity within 2 h. Various characterization techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy, suggest that the addition of Ga suppresses Cu oxidation at open-circuit potential (ocp) and induces significant electronic interactions between Ga and Cu. Thus, we explain the observed stabilization of the Cu by Ga as a result of the higher oxophilicity and lower electronegativity of Ga, which reduce the propensity of Cu to oxidize at ocp and enhance the bond strength in the alloyed nanocatalysts. In addition to addressing one of the major challenges in CO2RR, this study proposes a strategy to generate NPs that are stable under a reducing reaction environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valery Okatenko
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy Research, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Politechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion CH-1950, Switzerland
| | - Anna Loiudice
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy Research, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Politechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion CH-1950, Switzerland
| | - Mark A Newton
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy Research, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Politechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion CH-1950, Switzerland
| | - Dragos C Stoian
- Swiss-Norwegian Beamlines, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Anastasia Blokhina
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy Research, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Politechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion CH-1950, Switzerland
| | - Alexander N Chen
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy Research, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Politechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion CH-1950, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Rossi
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy Research, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Politechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion CH-1950, Switzerland
| | - Raffaella Buonsanti
- Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy Research, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Politechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Sion CH-1950, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Deng B, Zhao X, Li Y, Huang M, Zhang S, Dong F. Active site identification and engineering during the dynamic evolution of copper-based catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. Sci China Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-022-1412-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
13
|
Zheng M, Wang P, Zhi X, Yang K, Jiao Y, Duan J, Zheng Y, Qiao SZ. Electrocatalytic CO 2-to-C 2+ with Ampere-Level Current on Heteroatom-Engineered Copper via Tuning *CO Intermediate Coverage. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:14936-14944. [PMID: 35926980 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
An ampere-level current density of CO2 electrolysis is critical to realize the industrial production of multicarbon (C2+) fuels. However, under such a large current density, the poor CO intermediate (*CO) coverage on the catalyst surface induces the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, which hinders CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Herein, we report reliable ampere-level CO2-to-C2+ electrolysis by heteroatom engineering on Cu catalysts. The Cu-based compounds with heteroatom (N, P, S, O) are electrochemically reduced to heteroatom-derived Cu with significant structural reconstruction under CO2RR conditions. It is found that N-engineered Cu (N-Cu) catalyst exhibits the best CO2-to-C2+ productivity with a remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 73.7% under -1100 mA cm-2 and an energy efficiency of 37.2% under -900 mA cm-2. Particularly, it achieves a C2+ partial current density of -909 mA cm-2 at -1.15 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which outperforms most reported Cu-based catalysts. In situ spectroscopy indicates that heteroatom engineering adjusts *CO adsorption on Cu surface and alters the local H proton consumption in solution. Density functional theory studies confirm that the high adsorption strength of *CO on N-Cu results from the depressed HER and promoted *CO adsorption on both bridge and atop sites of Cu, which greatly reduces the energy barrier for C-C coupling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zheng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Pengtang Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Xing Zhi
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Kang Yang
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Yan Jiao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jingjing Duan
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Yao Zheng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Shi-Zhang Qiao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|