Multilayer-Cavity Tandem Catalyst for Profiling Sequentially Coupling of Intermediate CO in Electrocatalytic Reduction Reaction of CO2 to Multi-Carbon Products

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is an effective approach to address CO2 emission, promote recycling, and synthesize high-value multi-carbon (C2+) chemicals for storing renewable electricity in the long-term. The construction of multilayer-bound nanoreactors to achieve management of intermediate CO is a promising strategy for tandem to C2+ products. In this study, a series of Ag@Cu2O nanoreactors consisting of an Ag-yolk and a multilayer confined Cu shell is designed to profile electrocatalytic CO2RR reactions. The optimized Ag@Cu2O-2 nanoreactor exhibits a 74% Faradaic efficiency during the C2+ pathway and remains stable for over 10 h at a bias current density of 100 mA cm(-2). Using the finite element method, this model determines that the certain volume of cavity in the Ag@Cu2O nanoreactors facilitates on-site CO retention and that multilayers of Cu species favor CO capture. Density functional theory calculations illustrate that the biased generation of ethanol products may arise from the (100)/(111) interface of the Cu layer. In-depth explorations in multilayer-bound nanoreactors provide structural and interfacial guidance for sequential coupling of CO2RR intermediates for efficient C2+ generation.

Automated summary

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is an effective approach to address CO2 emission and synthesize high-value multi-carbon (C2+) chemicals. Constructing multilayer-bound nanoreactors is a promising strategy to manage intermediate CO and produce C2+ products. In this study, Ag@Cu2O nanoreactors were designed and optimized, demonstrating high Faradaic efficiency and stability during C2+ production. The study also provides insights into CO retention and ethanol generation in multilayer-bound nanoreactors.