Investigation of Pulse-Reverse Electrodeposited Copper Electrocatalysts for Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Ethylene

This paper discusses the electrodeposition of thin copper (Cu) films on stainless steel substrates using pulse-reverse waveforms and the suitability of such films for electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to hydrocarbon products such as methane and ethylene. Activation of these Cu layers through thermal oxidation and subsequent electrochemical reduction is also explored as a means of tuning selectivity toward higher hydrocarbons. An appreciable benefit in terms of overall hydrocarbon selectivity versus hydrogen evolution and other undesirable side reactions was observed from the use of pulsed methods, and the use of thermal activation resulted in a strong shift in the hydrocarbon product distribution from methane to ethylene.