Evaluation of the Impact of Surface Reconstruction on Rough Electrodeposited Copper‐Based Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction

Abstract

AbstractCarbon dioxide electroreduction (CO2ELR) can combine the use of a gaseous waste byproduct (CO2) with electricity from renewable sources to produce low‐carbon fuels and useful chemicals. Recent reports pointed out the superior performance of rough copper polycrystalline catalysts; however, reconstruction that takes place on such surfaces is under investigation. This report highlights the importance of copper surface reconstruction on rough surfaces during CO2ELR. Electrodeposited copper‐based catalysts composed primarily of Cu(111) were examined under CO2ELR conditions, and it was found that they underwent reconstruction towards Cu(200). The main hydrocarbon product of electrodeposited copper‐based catalysts with Cu(200) was CH4. The Cu/Cu catalyst achieved up to 40 % Faradaic efficiency (FE) to CH4 and low H2 efficiency (16 % FE) at −1.07 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), at a current density of −86 mA cm−2. This study provides new insights regarding the correlation of copper crystal orientation and selectivity on rough copper surfaces and the impact of copper reconstruction on the reaction.