Programmable Geometric Core-Shell In₂O₃@Cu₂O Catalysts for Near-Unity CO Selectivity in Electrocatalytic CO₂...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO is vital for carbon recycling.
• Achieving high selectivity at high current densities remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a geometrically programmable core-shell catalyst for selective CO2-to-CO conversion.
• Investigate the role of core size in controlling catalyst properties and performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of In2O3@Cu2O core-shell catalysts using spray pyrolysis.
• Electrocatalytic performance evaluation across a range of current densities.
• In situ spectroscopic analysis to probe reaction mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Optimized In2O3@Cu2O catalyst achieved 99% Faradaic efficiency for CO from 50-200 mA cm-2.
• Suppressed hydrogen evolution reaction and C-C coupling.
• Strain engineering weakened CO adsorption and prevented intermediate formation.

Conclusions:

• The core-shell catalyst design offers a scalable strategy for industrial CO2-to-CO conversion.
• Geometric control, electronic modulation, and strain engineering are key for catalyst development.
• This work provides a rational design principle for selective electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.