3D Cu Microbuds for Electrocatalytic CO Reduction Reaction.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Copper-based materials are key electrocatalysts for converting CO2 or CO into valuable multi-carbon (C2+) products.
• Material morphology and crystal facets critically influence electrocatalytic performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize 3D copper microbuds (3D Cu MBs) with enriched grain boundaries.
• To evaluate the efficacy of 3D Cu MBs as catalysts for electrocatalytic CO reduction reaction (eCORR) in a flow cell.

Main Methods:

• Controlled synthesis of 3D Cu MBs by adjusting reaction temperature, time, and pH.
• Electrocatalytic testing of Cu MBs in a flow cell setup.

Main Results:

• 3D Cu MBs demonstrated significantly higher C2+ product selectivity (≈83% at -0.58 V vs RHE) compared to commercial micron Cu.
• Achieved higher partial current density (410 mA cm-2) and lower overpotential for eCORR.
• The hierarchical 3D structure and polycrystalline nature provided abundant active grain boundaries.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized 3D Cu MBs are efficient catalysts for electrocatalytic CO reduction reaction (eCORR).
• Enriched grain boundaries in the 3D hierarchical structure enhance C2+ product formation.
• This work provides insights into crystalline-controlled synthesis of 3D Cu catalysts for CO electrolysis.