Ultrathin two-dimensional metal–organic framework nanosheets for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction

Abstract

A novel two dimensional (2D) ultrathin sheet-like Zn-TCPP(Co)-MOF (TCPP= 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin) was developed and used to assemble a cathode on carbon paper (Zn-TCPP(Co)-MOF/CP) for highly efficient and selective electrochemical reduction of CO 2 in neutral aqueous solution. Deeply studies revealed that Co atom in the Zn-TCPP(Co)-MOF was the real catalytic active site for CO 2 reduction. • A novel 2D ultrathin Zn-TCPP(Co)-MOF was used to assemble a cathode for CO 2 reduction. • The cathode displayed high efficiency and selectivity on electrochemical reduction of CO 2 . • The coordinative metal atoms and the sp2 C at the pyrrole ligand were identified as active sites.