Hybrid Catalyst Coupling Single-Atom Ni and Nanoscale Cu for Efficient CO₂ Electroreduction to Ethylene

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis
• Materials Science

Background:

• Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) is crucial for converting CO2 into valuable products.
• Enhancing selectivity and efficiency in C-C coupling for ethylene (C2H4) production remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a hybrid catalyst integrating single-atom Ni and nanoscale Cu for improved eCO2RR.
• To enhance C-C coupling and ethylene production efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hybrid catalyst with single-atom Ni on ordered mesoporous carbon and Cu nanowires (NWs).
• In situ surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) to study CO enrichment.
• In situ X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) to assess structural stability.
• Electrochemical performance evaluation in an alkaline flow cell.

Main Results:

• The hybrid catalyst demonstrated high-rate and selective CO2 to CO conversion by single-atom Ni.
• Incorporation of Ni significantly enhanced CO enrichment on Cu NWs for C-C coupling.
• Optimized catalyst achieved 66% Faradaic efficiency for C2H4 production at 100 mA·cm-2.
• A five-order enhancement in C2H4 selectivity was observed compared to Cu NWs alone.

Conclusions:

• The hybrid catalyst effectively integrates single-atom Ni and nanoscale Cu for superior eCO2RR performance.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for efficient ethylene production from CO2.
• The catalyst exhibits structural stability, making it suitable for practical applications.