A composite heterogeneous catalyst C-Py-Sn-Zn for selective electrochemical reduction of CO2 to methanol

By using electrochemical oxidation and electrodeposition methods, 4-aminopyridine (Py) and bimetallic Sn-Zn were successfully immobilized on the surface of pure carbon paper to construct a composite heterogeneous catalyst (C-Py-Sn-Zn), which could effectively catalyse electrochemical reduction of CO2 to selectively form CH3OH. The experimental results reveal that the synergic effect between Sn and Zn as well as bimetallic Sn-Zn and organic catalyst Py plays a very important role in catalyzing CO2 electroreduction. With C-Py-Sn-Zn electrocatalyst, the maximum Faradaic efficiency of CH3OH formation could reach 59.9% at the potential -0.5 V vs. RHE, and the catalytic activity could maintain stability during a 26-hour-electrolysis period.