Orange Peel Biomass-derived Carbon Supported Cu Electrocatalysts Active in the CO2-Reduction to Formic Acid

We report a green, wet chemistry approach towards the production of C-supported Cu electrocatalysts active in the CO2 reduction to formic acid. We use citrus peels as a C support precursor and as a source of reducing agents for the Cu cations. We show that orange peel is a suitable starting material compared to lemon peel for the one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of Cu nanostructures affording better Cu dispersion as well as productivity and selectivity towards formic acid. We rationalize this finding in terms of the beneficial chemical composition of the orange peel, which favors both the reduction of the Cu precursor as well as the carbon matrix. This work demonstrates new viable opportunities for the reuse of citrus waste on a rational basis.

Automated summary

We developed a green wet chemistry method to produce C-supported Cu electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction. Orange peel was found to be a better starting material than lemon peel, leading to improved Cu dispersion and selectivity towards formic acid. This study demonstrates the rational reuse of citrus waste.