In-situ CVD synthesis of Ni@N-CNTs/carbon paper electrode for electro-reduction of CO2

For the electro-reduction of CO2 to syngas, the fabrication of electrodes with excellent and adjustable catalytic performance is a critical step. In this work, Ni particles encapsulated in N-doped carbon nanotubes on carbon paper (Ni@N-CNTs/CP) composites were designed and prepared via an in-situ chemical vapor deposition method. As confirmed by different characterization techniques, the Ni@NCNTs are successfully synthesized, and the surface of the CP is evenly covered by the Ni@N-CNTs. The effects of Ni content and treating temperature on the textural properties of composites are carefully investigated. The Ni@N-CNTs/CP composites are directly employed as the electrode for electro-reduction of CO2, and the action mechanisms of the N species, Ni particles, and N-CNTs structure are explored as well. The electrode exhibits excellent catalytic activity and high stability, reaching a specific current of 10 mA cm(-2). The H-2/CO ratio in the achieved syngas can be tuned in the range of 5/1 to 1/1.5. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, Ni particles encapsulated in N-doped carbon nanotubes on carbon paper (Ni@N-CNTs/CP) composites were designed and prepared for the electro-reduction of CO2 to syngas. The composites showed excellent catalytic activity and high stability, with the ability to tune the H-2/CO ratio in the syngas.