Efficient Electromethanation from CO2 on Monodisperse Cu-Based Catalysts

Abstract

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising approach to upgrading CO2 into methane (CH4) and other high-value-added chemicals, critical for lowering carbon emissions and mitigating the greenhouse effect. However, the selectivity of CO2RR to methane remains low at the current densities required for commercialization. Herein, we report a simple one-step synthesis of monodisperse copper-based catalysts for efficient electromethanation of CO2. Through rational regulation of active sites, the selectivity for methane production can reach as high as 57.02% under the current density of 300 mA cm–2 as a result of suppressed C–C coupling for improved *CO hydrogenation. This work offers an effective strategy to regulate Cu-based catalysts to manage the hydrogenation of *CO for CO2RR toward CH4 formation.