A Lewis basic CeO₂ cocatalyst expedites two-electron air electroreduction at the theoretical limit

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Two-electron air electroreduction is crucial for energy conversion but suffers from low efficiency at the theoretical limit.
• Developing efficient electrocatalysts is essential to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the efficiency of two-electron air electroreduction.
• To investigate the role of cerium dioxide (CeO2) as a cocatalyst in this process.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cerium dioxide (CeO2) as a Lewis basic cocatalyst.
• Performed theoretical and experimental analyses to understand the reaction mechanism.
• Investigated the electronic structure modifications induced by CeO2 incorporation.

Main Results:

• Achieved over 90% Faradaic efficiency at the theoretical limit for two-electron air electroreduction.
• Demonstrated that CeO2 incorporation alters the electronic structure of ZnO.
• Showed enhanced selective oxygen adsorption due to CeO2.

Conclusions:

• Lewis basic CeO2 is an effective cocatalyst for improving two-electron air electroreduction efficiency.
• The enhanced performance is attributed to altered electronic structures and improved oxygen adsorption.
• This work provides insights into designing advanced electrocatalysts for air electroreduction reactions.