Interface-Engineered AgMOF/Cu₂O Pyramids for Enhanced C₂H₄ Selectivity in Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Copper-based catalysts are crucial for CO2 electroreduction (eCO2RR) but suffer from high overpotentials, poor selectivity, and instability.
• Existing challenges hinder the efficient conversion of CO2 into valuable products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and investigate AgMOF/Cu2O pyramid heterostructures for enhanced eCO2RR.
• To overcome the limitations of traditional Cu-based catalysts for CO2 reduction.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of AgMOF/Cu2O pyramid heterostructures with specific lattice features and oxygen vacancies.
• In situ ATR-FTIR measurements and theoretical simulations to analyze electron transfer pathways.
• Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to understand reaction mechanisms and energy barriers.

Main Results:

• The AgMOF/Cu2O heterostructure exhibits (111) lattice fringes, engineered distortions, and oxygen vacancies, anchoring Cuδ+ domains.
• Rapid electron transfer and asymmetric interfacial sites promote C-C coupling, stabilizing key intermediates for ethylene (C2H4) production.
• Achieved a 61% Faradaic efficiency for C2H4 at -1.1 V vs. RHE, demonstrating significant catalytic performance.

Conclusions:

• Synergistic interface engineering in AgMOF/Cu2O heterostructures enhances CO2 adsorption and lowers reduction energy barriers.
• Charge-polarized metal sites and interfacial effects promote selective multi-carbon product synthesis.
• This strategy offers a promising route for efficient CO2 electrolysis toward valuable chemicals.