Microfluidics-Assisted Synthesis of Hierarchical Cu2 O Nanocrystal as C2 -Selective CO2 Reduction Electrocatalyst
Minki Jun1, Changmo Kwak1, Si Young Lee2,3
1Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Natural Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
Small Methods
|February 25, 2022
Summary
Flow chemistry enabled the synthesis of stepped copper oxide nanocrystals (h-Cu2O ONS) that enhance CO2 electroreduction. These catalysts promote C-C bond formation, significantly boosting ethylene production rates.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Copper-based catalysts show high selectivity for C2+ products in CO2 electroreduction (CO2 RR).
- Grain boundaries on copper catalysts are crucial for C-C coupling by creating specific Cu coordination environments.
- Smooth-surfaced Cu2O nanocrystals often lack the necessary surface features for effective CO2 RR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a novel hierarchical Cu2O structure with stepped surfaces (h-Cu2O ONS) using flow chemistry.
- To investigate the role of these stepped surfaces and resulting heterointerfaces in facilitating C-C bond formation during CO2 RR.
- To enhance the catalytic performance for ethylene production via CO2 electroreduction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized flow chemistry to control nanocrystal growth kinetics, leading to the formation of stepped Cu2O structures (h-Cu2O ONS).
- Investigated surface reconstruction and the formation of Cu2O/Cu heterointerfaces under CO2 RR conditions.
- Performed electrochemical CO2 reduction experiments to evaluate catalytic performance, including Faradaic efficiency and production rates.
Main Results:
- The h-Cu2O ONS exhibited rapid surface reconstruction, forming multiple Cu2O/Cu heterointerfaces essential for C-C coupling.
- Achieved a significant increase in C2H4 Faradaic efficiency from 31.9% to 43.5% concurrently with morphological reorganization.
- Demonstrated a 3.8-fold higher ethylene production rate compared to smooth Cu2O nanocubes.
Conclusions:
- Flow chemistry is an effective method for synthesizing hierarchical Cu2O structures with stepped surfaces for enhanced CO2 RR.
- The stepped surface morphology and resulting heterointerfaces play a critical role in promoting C-C bond formation and ethylene selectivity.
- The developed h-Cu2O ONS present a promising advancement in electrocatalytic CO2 conversion for valuable chemical production.
