Bottom-up Growth of Convex Sphere with Adjustable Cu(0)/Cu(I) Interfaces for Effective C₂ Production from CO₂...

One challenge confronting the Cu₂O catalysts in the electrocatalysis of carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is the reduction of active Cu(I) species, resulting in low selectivity and quick deactivation. In this study, we for the first time introduce a bottom-up growth of convex sphere with adjustable Cu(0)/Cu(I) interfaces (Cu_x@Cu₂O convex spheres). Interestingly, the interfaces are dynamically modulated by varying hydrothermal time, thus regulating the conversion of C₁ and C₂ products. In particular, the 4 h hydrothermal treatment applied to Cu_0.25@Cu₂O convex sphere with the favorable Cu(0)/Cu(I) interface results in the highest selectivity for C₂ products (90.5 %). In situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy measurements and density functional theory calculations reveal that the Cu(0)/Cu(I) interface lowers the energy barrier for the production of ethylene and ethanol while increasing the coverage of localized *CO adsorbate for increased dimerization. This work establishes a novel approach for transforming the state of valence-sensitive electrocatalysts into high-value energy-related engineering products.