Electrochemical Growth and Restructuring of Cu Surfaces for Steering the Selectivity of Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Abstract

The electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 into value-added chemicals is commonly performed with catalysts composed of Cu due to its unique ability to create carbon-carbon bonds. Numerous studies have shown that the surface facets of the Cu catalyst play an important role on the observed distributions of both C1 products (i.e. carbon monoxide vs. methane) and C2 products (i.e. ethanol vs. ethylene). Here, we discuss our efforts towards controlling the surface facets of Cu electrocatalysts via electrochemical treatments for steering the selectivity of CO2 reduction in aqueous media. Using both planar Cu films and Cu nanoparticles, we will show how the applied potential and chemical composition of the growth solution can be manipulated to tailor the surface facets of Cu electrocatalysts. Finally, we will present the results of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction with these Cu catalysts and highlight opportunities for using simple electrochemical techniques to manipulate and control the surface facets of electrocatalysts for the production of chemical fuels.