Unveiling hydrocerussite as an electrochemically stable active phase for efficient carbon dioxide electroreduction to...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Metal-based electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) often suffer from self-reduction, leading to hydrogen evolution and reduced CO2RR selectivity.
• Designing electrocatalysts that are stable against self-reduction while maintaining high CO2RR activity is a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stable and active electrocatalyst for CO2RR by preventing self-reduction.
• To investigate the in situ formation and performance of hydrocerussite as a CO2RR electrocatalyst.

Main Methods:

• In situ conversion of a tannin-lead(II) (TA-Pb) complex precursor.
• Comprehensive characterization techniques to analyze the transformation process.
• Electrochemical testing and theoretical calculations to evaluate catalytic performance.

Main Results:

• The TA-Pb complex successfully transformed in situ to cerussite and subsequently to hydrocerussite (Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2).
• Hydrocerussite demonstrated high activity and selectivity for the CO2RR under reaction conditions.
• Experiments and theoretical calculations confirmed the stability and efficacy of hydrocerussite.

Conclusions:

• Hydrocerussite is a stable and active electrocatalyst for CO2RR, effectively suppressing self-reduction.
• In situ conversion offers a viable strategy for enhancing CO2RR selectivity.
• This work provides insights into electrocatalyst reaction mechanisms and active phase identification.