Solid-phase synthesis of ultra-small CuMo solid solution alloy for efficient electroreduction CO₂-to-C₂₊ production

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Developing efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction is crucial for sustainable energy and chemical production.
• Nanostructured materials offer unique properties for enhanced catalytic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize ultra-small CuMo solid solution alloy nanoclusters anchored on carbon nanofibers (CuMo/CNFs).
• To optimize the Cu:Mo ratio for superior CO2 electroreduction (CO2RR) performance.
• To investigate the catalytic mechanism for high selectivity towards C2+ products.

Main Methods:

• Solid-phase synthesis of CuMo alloy nanoclusters.
• Anchoring nanoclusters onto electrospun carbon nanofibers (CNFs).
• Electrochemical characterization of CO2RR performance.
• In situ characterization to study reaction intermediates and mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized ultra-small (2.1 nm) CuMo alloy nanoclusters on CNFs.
• Optimized Cu2Mo1/CNFs exhibited excellent CO2RR performance.
• Achieved a high Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 84.5% for C2+ products and 75.7% for ethanol.
• In situ studies revealed strengthened intermediate adsorption and promoted C-C coupling.

Conclusions:

• The Cu2Mo1/CNFs catalyst demonstrates high selectivity and efficiency for CO2-to-C2+ product conversion.
• The alloy structure enhances the adsorption of key intermediates, facilitating C-C coupling.
• This work presents a promising strategy for designing advanced electrocatalysts for CO2 utilization.