Electronic state coupling induced by topological Co patterns at Pd metallene boosts CO2 electroreduction to HCOOH

Abstract

The electrochemical conversion of CO2 to HCOOH has been extensively regarded as a promising strategy to achieve carbon utilization. However, the direct synthesis of value-added HCOOH still encounters the difficulty of low energy conversion and selectivity. The performance of catalysts is determined by the electronic occupation at their half-filled 3d orbitals and their structural symmetry. Herein, we intentionally decorate some Co atoms onto Pd metallene to form a series of topological patterns to reveal their reaction kinetics, in an effort to achieve a higher catalytic activity. This work provides a new insight into boosting CO2 electroreduction by designing topological patterns.