Metallic 1T-N-WS2/WO3 Heterojunctions Featuring Interface-Engineered Cu-S Configuration for Selective Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction

Electrocatalytic carbon-dioxide reduction reactions (ECO2RR) are one of the most rational techniques to control one's carbon footprint. The desired product formation depends on deliberate reaction kinetics and a choice of electron-proton contribution. Herein the usage of novel CuS active centers decorated over stable 1T metallic N-WS2/WO3 nanohybrids as an efficient selective formate conversion electrocatalyst with regard to ECO2RR is reported. The preferred reaction pathway is identified as *OCHO, which is reduced (by gaining H+ + e(-)) to HCOO- (HCOO- path) as the primary product. More significantly, at -1.3 V versus RHE yield of FEHCOO (-) is 55.6% +/- 0.5 with a Jgeo of -125.05 mA cm(-2) for CuS@1T-N-WS2/WO3 nanohybrids. In addition, predominant catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability properties are observed; further post-mortem analysis demonstrates the choice of material importance. The present work describes an impressive approach to develop highly active electrocatalysts for selective ECO2RR applications.

Automated summary

This study reports an efficient selective formate conversion electrocatalyst utilizing novel CuS active centers decorated over stable 1T metallic N-WS2/WO3 nanohybrids. The primary product, HCOO-, is produced with a yield of 55.6% at -1.3 V vs RHE. The electrocatalyst demonstrates excellent catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability.