Atomically Dispersed CuNx Sites from Thermal Activation of Boron Imidazolate Cages for Electrocatalytic Methane Generation

Atomically dispersed metal sites (ADMSs) have been recognized as promising candidates for electrochemical conversion. Among a diverse range of molecular precursors for ADMS synthesis, framework materials are particularly interesting due to their high degree of tunability and control over the primary coordination sphere of the metal ions. Herein, we demonstrate that a copper boron imidazolate cage, BIF-29(Cu), is a convenient precursor for a competent catalyst with isolated Cu sites coordinated by N donors for carbon dioxide electroreduction (CO2RR). Although BIF-29(Cu) exhibited moderate methane selectivity over hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the methane selectivity is significantly enhanced by 2 times (55% CH4 at −1.25 V vs RHE) after mild thermal activation. Extensive characterization methods indicate the transformation of crystalline BIF-29(Cu) into an amorphous carbonaceous material comprising isolated CuNx sites. Moreover, in situ X-ray absorbance spectroscopy indicates stable CuNx sites that are reduced during CO2RR. This work encourages the discovery of single-site electrocatalytic systems through a rational selection of molecular precursor and calcination parameters for promoting product selectivity.