Cu Nanoparticle Infiltration via Metal-Organic Decomposition Ink for Superior Mass Activity in CO Electroreduction

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) are crucial for CO2 electrolysis but face challenges in stable high-current operation.
• Electrolyte crossover and limited CO accessibility hinder GDE performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the stability and efficiency of GDEs for CO electroreduction.
• To investigate the role of copper (Cu) nanoparticle infiltration in the microporous layer.

Main Methods:

• Developed a facile GDE preparation method using doctor-blading with a Cu metal-organic decomposition (Cu MOD) ink.
• Infiltrated Cu nanoparticles into the microporous layer of GDEs.
• Tested GDE performance in CO electroreduction reaction at high current densities.

Main Results:

• Achieved highly selective C2+ product formation at -1200 mA cm-2.
• Demonstrated a high mass activity of approximately -28,000 A g-1.
• Observed improved stability of the gas-liquid-solid interface due to enhanced CO transport.

Conclusions:

• Cu nanoparticle infiltration into the GDE microporous layer is vital for high performance and stability.
• The Cu MOD method provides a scalable strategy for optimizing catalyst positioning in GDEs.
• This approach advances stable GDEs with high mass activity for CO electroreduction.