Efficient and selective electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate on 3D porous structured multi-walled carbon nanotubes supported Pb nanoparticles

Abstract

In this study, we report that a 3D layered porous carbon nanotubes aerogel supported lead nanoparticles (FD-PbNP/MWCNT) on carbon paper electrodes (FD-PbNP/MWCNT/CPE) for the efficient and stable electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate in aqueous solution. The electrocatalytic activity of the FD-PbNP/MWCNT/CPE is much higher than that of the ordinary Pb particles and the carbon nanotubes-supported Pb nanoparticles (PbNP/MWCNT) on the carbon paper electrode (PbNP/MWCNT/CPE), due to the special 3D layered porous structure, large specific surface area and excellent conductive network structure. The electrolysis activity of the FD-PbNP/MWCNT/CPE remains almost stable during 10 h in the CO2-saturated KHCO3 electrolyte solution, with a high Faradaic efficiency (~84.6%) towards formate formation and a current density of 28 mA cm−2. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the best results for catalyzing electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate to date.