Cu+-Mediated CO Coordination for Promoting C-C Coupling for CO2 and CO Electroreduction

Selective electrochemical upgrading of CO2 to multicarbon (C2+) products requires a C-C coupling process, yet the underlying promoting mechanism of widely involved Cu oxidation states remains largely unclear, hindering the subtle design of efficient catalysts. Herein, we unveil the critical role of Cu+ in promoting C-C coupling via coordination with a CO intermediate during electrochemical CO2 reduction. We find that, relative to other halogen anions, iodide (I-) in HCO3- electrolytes accelerates the generation of strongly oxidative hydroxyl radicals that accounts for the formation of Cu+, which can be dynamically stabilized by I- via the formation of CuI. The in situ generated CO intermediate strongly binds to CuI sites, forming nonclassical Cu(CO)n+ complexes, leading to an approximately 3.0-fold increase of C2+ Faradaic efficiency at -0.9 VRHE relative to that of I--free Cu surfaces. Accordingly, a deliberate introduction of CuI into I-- containing HCO3- electrolytes for direct CO electroreduction brings about a 4.3-fold higher C2+ selectivity. This work provides insights into the role of Cu+ in C-C coupling and the enhanced C2+ selectivity for CO2 and CO electrochemical reduction.

Automated summary

Selective electrochemical upgrading of CO2 to multicarbon (C2+) products requires a C-C coupling process involving Cu oxidation states. This study reveals the critical role of Cu+ in promoting C-C coupling through coordination with a CO intermediate. Cu+ is dynamically stabilized by the presence of iodide (I-) in HCO3- electrolytes, leading to an increased C2+ Faradaic efficiency. Introducing CuI into I--containing HCO3- electrolytes enables a higher C2+ selectivity for direct CO electroreduction.