Promoting exsolution of RuFe alloy nanoparticles on Sr2Fe1.4Ru0.1Mo0.5O6-δ via repeated redox manipulations for CO2 electrolysis

Metal nanoparticles anchored on perovskite through in situ exsolution under reducing atmosphere provide catalytically active metal/oxide interfaces for CO2 electrolysis in solid oxide electrolysis cell. However, there are critical challenges to obtain abundant metal/oxide interfaces due to the sluggish diffusion process of dopant cations inside the bulk perovskite. Herein, we propose a strategy to promote exsolution of RuFe alloy nanoparticles on Sr2Fe1.4Ru0.1Mo0.5O6-delta perovskite by enriching the active Ru underneath the perovskite surface via repeated redox manipulations. In situ scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrates the dynamic structure evolution of Sr2Fe1.4Ru0.1Mo0.5O6-delta perovskite under reducing and oxidizing atmosphere, as well as the facilitated CO2 adsorption at RuFe@Sr2Fe1.4Ru0.1Mo0.5O6-delta interfaces. Solid oxide electrolysis cell with RuFe@Sr2Fe1.4Ru0.1Mo0.5O6-delta interfaces shows over 74.6% enhancement in current density of CO2 electrolysis compared to that with Sr2Fe1.4Ru0.1Mo0.5O6-delta counterpart as well as impressive stability for 1000 h at 1.2 V and 800 degrees C. Metal nanoparticles anchored on perovskite provide catalytically active interfaces for CO2 electrolysis. The authors promote exsolution of RuFe alloy nanoparticles on Sr2Fe1.4Ru0.1Mo0.5 O6-delta perovskite by enriching the active Ru underneath the perovskite surface via repeated redox manipulations.

Automated summary

By enriching the active Ru, the authors promote the exsolution of RuFe alloy nanoparticles on the surface underneath Sr2Fe1.4Ru0.1Mo0.5O6-δ perovskite, enhancing the current density of CO2 electrolysis. In situ scanning transmission electron microscopy shows the dynamic structure evolution of the perovskite under reducing and oxidizing atmospheres, as well as the facilitated CO2 adsorption at RuFe@Sr2Fe1.4Ru0.1Mo0.5O6-δ interfaces.