Mn(ii) sub-nanometric site stabilization in noble, N-doped carbonaceous materials for electrochemical CO2 reduction

The preparation of stable and efficient electrocatalysts comprising abundant and non-critical row-materials is of paramount importance for their industrial implementation. Herein, we present a simple synthetic route to prepare Mn(ii) sub-nanometric active sites over a highly N-doped noble carbonaceous support. This support not only promotes a strong stabilization of the Mn(ii) sites, improving its stability against oxidation, but also provides a convenient coordination environment in the Mn(ii) sites able to produce CO, HCOOH and CH3COOH from electrochemical CO2 reduction.

Automated summary

The preparation of stable and efficient electrocatalysts using abundant and non-critical row-materials is crucial for their industrial implementation. This study presents a simple synthetic route to prepare Mn(ii) sub-nanometric active sites on a highly N-doped noble carbonaceous support, which not only enhances the stability of Mn(ii) sites against oxidation, but also provides a suitable coordination environment for electrochemical CO2 reduction.