Dynamic transformation of cubic copper catalysts during CO2 electroreduction and its impact on catalytic selectivity

Philipp Grosse, Aram Yoon, Clara Rettenmaier, Antonia Herzog, See Wee Chee () and Beatriz Roldan Cuenya ()
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Philipp Grosse: Fritz-Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
Aram Yoon: Fritz-Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
Clara Rettenmaier: Fritz-Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
Antonia Herzog: Fritz-Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
See Wee Chee: Fritz-Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
Beatriz Roldan Cuenya: Fritz-Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract To rationally design effective and stable catalysts for energy conversion applications, we need to understand how they transform under reaction conditions and reveal their underlying structure-property relationships. This is especially important for catalysts used in the electroreduction of carbon dioxide where product selectivity is sensitive to catalyst structure. Here, we present real-time electrochemical liquid cell transmission electron microscopy studies showing the restructuring of copper(I) oxide cubes during reaction. Fragmentation of the solid cubes, re-deposition of new nanoparticles, catalyst detachment and catalyst aggregation are observed as a function of the applied potential and time. Using cubes with different initial sizes and loading, we further correlate this dynamic morphology with the catalytic selectivity through time-resolved scanning electron microscopy measurements and product analysis. These comparative studies reveal the impact of nanoparticle re-deposition and detachment on the catalyst reactivity, and how the increased surface metal loading created by re-deposited nanoparticles can lead to enhanced C2+ selectivity and stability.

Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-26743-5

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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26743-5

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