Scalable Edge-Oriented Metallic Two-Dimensional Layered Cu₂Te Arrays for Electrocatalytic CO₂ Methanation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Copper-based nanomaterials show promise for cost-effective electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR).
• Controllable, large-scale synthesis of 2D copper nanomaterials with active sites for high CO2RR performance is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a scalable method for preparing 2D copper-based nanomaterials for efficient CO2 electroreduction.
• To investigate the CO2-to-CH4 electrocatalytic performance of the synthesized materials.

Main Methods:

• In situ vertical growth of 2D Cu2Te nanosheet arrays on copper foil using a two-step etching and chemical vapor deposition process.
• Electrochemical characterization in a flow cell setup to evaluate CO2RR performance.

Main Results:

• Achieved tunable Cu2Te nanosheets with edge-oriented growth and abundant active sites.
• Demonstrated efficient CO2-to-CH4 electrocatalysis at a low potential (-0.4 V vs. RHE), suppressing hydrogen evolution.
• Obtained a Faradaic efficiency of ~63% for CH4 production at 300 mA cm-2 in a flow cell.

Conclusions:

• The scalable synthesis of 2D Cu2Te nanosheet arrays provides an effective platform for CO2 electroreduction.
• These findings pave the way for developing energy-efficient and scalable copper-based CO2RR electrocatalysts.