Efficient three-phase electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction to formate on superhydrophobic Bi-C interfaces

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (ECR) is a promising technology for renewable energy storage and carbon utilization.
• Developing efficient and selective catalysts is crucial for advancing ECR.
• Bismuth-based catalysts have shown potential for CO2 reduction, but optimizing their performance remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the performance of Bi-C catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
• To evaluate the selectivity and current density of Bi-C catalysts in ECR to formate.
• To explore the operational stability and potential range of these catalysts.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing Bi-C catalysts with a three-phase interface (CO2 gas, electrolyte liquid, catalyst solid).
• Performing electrocatalytic CO2 reduction experiments.
• Analyzing product selectivity using faradaic efficiency measurements.
• Measuring current density and evaluating performance over a broad potential range.

Main Results:

• Bi-C catalysts demonstrated remarkable selectivity for formate production, exceeding 95% faradaic efficiency.
• High current densities of 100 mA cm-2 were achieved.
• The catalysts maintained high performance across a broad potential range, indicating good stability.

Conclusions:

• Bi-C catalysts are highly effective for selective electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to formate.
• The established three-phase interface in Bi-C systems is key to achieving high efficiency and current density.
• These findings pave the way for practical applications of CO2 electroreduction technologies.