Revolutionizing CO2‐to‐C2 Conversion: Unleashing the Potential of CeO2 Nanocores for Self‐ Supported Electrocatalysts with Cu2O Nanoflakes on 3D Graphene Aerogel
材料科学
纳米技术
作者
Feng Ming Yap,Jian Yiing Loh,Sheng Yuan,Xianhai Zeng,Wee‐Jun Ong
Abstract Cu serves as a promising electrocatalyst for converting CO 2 into valuable C 2 products in CO 2 reduction reactions (CO 2 RR). However, instability in CO* formation is crucial for CO 2 adsorption‐ desorption still remains a challenge under reduction conditions. This study explores the impact of lanthanide oxide, particularly CeO 2 , on Cu‐based catalytic performances. By leveraging Ce's distinctive electronic structure, CO* species are stabilized during the reaction in CeO 2 ─Cu 2 O, resulting in exceptional catalytic performance for CO 2 electroreduction to C 2 products. Hybridizing CeO 2 ‐Cu 2 O with graphene aerogel enhances electrochemical active surface area and CO 2 RR efficiency. The resulting CeO 2 ─Cu 2 O(10%)/GA electrocatalyst exhibits a remarkable faradaic efficiency for C 2 products, exceeding 62%, alongside exceptional stability over 80 h with wide potential window (−0.8 to −1.2 V) using a H‐cell. Systematic investigations elucidate the intricate interplay between surface properties and catalytic activity. Furthermore, a solar cell‐ powered CO 2 reduction system demonstrates consistent performance (−27.8 mA cm − 2 at 3.46 V) under solar radiation of ≈100 mW cm − 2 , showcasing outstanding stability with nearly 100% retention over 4 h of continuous illumination. In short, by harnessing catalytic and electronic effects, this innovation advances the development of electrocatalysts with heightened CO 2 ‐to‐C 2 selectivity, bridging fundamental research with technological innovation to tackle critical global challenges.