Bimetallic SnBi catalyst in metal-organic framework for efficient electrocatalytic CO₂ conversion

Currently, electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into higher-value compounds is a promising approach. However, developing a stable and efficient catalyst with high selectivity for specific products remains a major challenge. Herein, we constructed a bismuth-based metal-organic framework (Bi-MOF) as a catalyst for the catalytic production of formic acid from carbon dioxide, to which different ratios of tin metal elements were doped. The catalyst Bi-MOF_Sn6 exhibited excellent catalytic performance, with a formic acid selectivity of 80 % at -1.8 V and a current density of 25 mA/cm². The catalytic mechanism of electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (ECO₂RR) was revealed using density functional theory calculations. The work demonstrated that tin metal doping in Bi-MOF could effectively promote the catalytic process of ECO₂RR, providing valuable insights for the subsequent design of more commercially available ECO₂RR catalysts and more efficient CO₂ reduction systems.