Atomically Engineered RuO_x-Cu Interfaces Enabling Tandem Catalysis for Ampere-Level Nitrite-Ethanol Co-Electrolysis.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Tandem catalysts are crucial for multi-step electrochemical reactions.
• Achieving atomic-level control over dual active sites in catalysts is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an atomic-level engineering strategy for constructing efficient tandem catalysts.
• To investigate the performance of RuO_x cluster-modified Cu-based nanowire arrays for nitrite-ethanol paired electrolysis.

Main Methods:

• Atomic-level engineering of RuO_x cluster-modified Cu-based nanowire arrays.
• In situ spectroscopic analysis and theoretical calculations.
• Fabrication and testing of a membrane electrode assembly flow electrolyzer.

Main Results:

• The engineered catalysts exhibit efficient water activation and favorable co-electrolysis kinetics.
• Achieved >90% Faradaic efficiencies for ammonia (NH₃) and acetate.
• Demonstrated high yields and outstanding operational stability at ampere-level current densities (0.2-1.0 A cm^-2).

Conclusions:

• The RuO_x@R-Cu/CF tandem catalysts significantly advance paired electrolysis performance.
• This strategy offers a promising approach for designing advanced electrocatalysts for complex chemical transformations.