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Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
Observation on Microenvironment Changes of Dynamic Catalysts in Acidic CO2 Reduction
Heming Liu1, Tian Yan2, Shendong Tan2
1Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute & Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China.
This study addresses catalyst degradation in acidic electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR). A novel pulse chronoamperometry strategy significantly enhances catalyst stability for 100 hours, improving CO2RR performance.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
- Materials Science
Background:
- Acidic electrolytes offer solutions to alkalinity issues in CO2 reduction but present challenges due to catalyst degradation.
- Ensuring catalyst stability is critical for the viability of electrochemical CO2 reduction in acidic media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microenvironment changes in dynamic Bi-based catalysts during acidic CO2RR.
- To develop a pulse chronoamperometry (CA) strategy to enhance catalyst stability in acidic CO2RR.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in situ fluorescence mappings to observe local pH changes.
- Employed in situ Raman spectroscopy to analyze interfacial water structure evolution.
- Developed and applied a pulse CA strategy for catalyst reactivation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated dynamic microenvironment changes, including local pH shifts and altered water structures, at the catalyst interface.
- Showcased that catalyst surface charge influences ion adsorption (K+ and protons), impacting local pH and intermediate adsorption.
- Achieved a two-orders-of-magnitude improvement in acidic CO2RR stability, maintaining performance for 100 hours using the pulse CA strategy.
Conclusions:
- Microenvironment dynamics significantly affect the stability of catalysts in acidic CO2RR.
- The developed pulse CA strategy effectively reactivates catalysts and dramatically improves operational stability.
- Provides crucial insights for designing robust catalysts for stable electrochemical CO2 reduction in acidic environments.
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