C2 Products Research Articles

In Situ Synthesis of Copper-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks with Ligand Defects for Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 into C2 Products.

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 into high-value-added products is a potential approach to solving environmental problems but is limited by poor product selectivity and low efficiency. Metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have been considered one of the most promising catalysts, but their application is limited by complicated preparation processes, especially during the synthesis of organic ligands. In this work, a new three-dimensional Cu-MOF (JXUST-301) with high porosity was constructed based on the naphthalene diimide (NDI) ligand. Furthermore, JXUST-301 with ligand defects (JXUST-301D) originating from the missing NDI unit was synthesized via an in situ reaction. The presence of ligand defects endows JXUST-301D with a better CO2RR performance with a FEC2 of 56.7% and a jC2 of -162.4 mA cm-2. Mechanistic studies revealed that the hierarchical pore structure and amino sites are created from the absence of the NDI unit, which promotes the exposure of catalytically active sites and CO2 enrichment. Furthermore, the electronic structure of the Cu sites is modulated to upshift the d-band center, facilitating chemical adsorption and activation of key reaction intermediates. This work provides new insight into the in situ preparation of efficient Cu-MOF catalysts by introducing defects for the CO2RR.

Boosting the Efficiency and Selectivity of Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to C1 Products by Mn-Porphyrin via Axial Ligation

Boosting the Efficiency and Selectivity of Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO₂ to C1 Products by Mn-Porphyrin via Axial Ligation

Important structural parameter for curvature effect of TM-N4 embeded C70 fullerenes as electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction interpreted with machine learning and first-principles calculations

In this work, TM-N4 sites embedded on curved C70 Fullerenes (TMN4(n)@C64, n = 1–5 which denote the doping positions and TM = Sc-Zn) were designed as efficient catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (ECO2RR). With interpretable machine learning (ML) and first-principles calculations, the performance of TM-N4 sites as possible electrocatalysts for ECO2RR under the curvature effect were revealed. After the screen procedure of catalyst stability, CO2 activation and selectivity of 50 designed systems, VN4(3), CrN4(3), MnN4(2), FeN4(2, 3, 5)@C64 were identified as high performance catalysts for ECO2RR to CH4, with limiting potential of -0.41 V, -0.26 V, -0.28 V, -0.35 V, -0.25 V and -0.17 V respectively, outperform the TM-N4 catalysts on the flat surface. A key structural descriptor K which can reflect the curvature effect of TM-N4 sites on the curved surface was identified with ML models. The gradient boosting regression (GBR) and sure independence screening and sparsifying operator (SISSO) algorithm reveal that the structural parameter K have strong association with the CO2 adsorption and significant influence on the selectivity of catalysts. Interestingly, the structural parameter K can influence more the binding of O-bonded intermediates than C-bonded intermediates. With the GBR algorithm, an effective model for the prediction of the limiting potential for C1 products were obtained. This study clarified the curvature effect of TM-N4 supported on the curved surface, and provides valuable guidance for the designing of TM-N4 single atom catalysts for ECO2RR on curved surface.

Impact of amorphous structure on CO2 electrocatalysis with Cu: A combined machine learning forcefield and DFT modelling approach

Amorphous materials hold significant promise for enhancing electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (CO2R) performance, but their intricate structures present challenges in understanding their behaviour. We present a computational investigation combining machine learning force fields and DFT calculations to explore amorphous copper (Cu) as a potential catalyst for the CO2R to C1 and C2 products. Our study reveals that amorphous Cu surfaces, compared to crystalline counterparts, offer a wider range of coordination sites, leading to a multitude of active centres for CO2 adsorption. Notably, some investigated surfaces spontaneously activate CO2, demonstrating their potential for efficient conversion. Furthermore, the intermediates of the CO2R on these surfaces exhibit enhanced stability, translating to lower overpotentials and improved selectivity. This work paves the way for further research and development in using amorphous Cu-based catalysts for sustainable CO2 conversion technologies, offering significant potential for mitigating climate change.

Emerging ZnO Semiconductors for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Methanol.

Carbon recycling is poised to emerge as a prominent trend for mitigating severe climate change and meeting the rising demand for energy. Converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into green energy and valuable feedstocks through photocatalytic CO2 reduction (PCCR) offers a promising solution to global warming and energy needs. Among all semiconductors, zinc oxide (ZnO) has garnered considerable interest due to its ecofriendly nature, biocompatibility, abundance, exceptional semiconducting and optical properties, cost-effectiveness, easy synthesis, and durability. This review thoroughly discusses recent advances in mechanistic insights, fundamental principles, experimental parameters, and modulation of ZnO catalysts for direct PCCR to C1 products (methanol). Various ZnO modification techniques are explored, including atomic size regulation, synthesis strategies, morphology manipulation, doping with cocatalysts, defect engineering, incorporation of plasmonic metals, and single atom modulation to boost its photocatalytic performance. Additionally, the review highlights the importance of photoreactor design, reactor types, geometries, operating modes, and phases. Future research endeavors should prioritize the development of cost-effective catalyst immobilization methods for solid-liquid separation and catalyst recycling, while emphasizing the use of abundant and non-toxic materials to ensure environmental sustainability and economic viability. Finally, the review outlines key challenges and proposes novel directions for further enhancing ZnO-based photocatalytic CO2 conversion processes.

Electrokinetic Analysis-Driven Promotion of Electrocatalytic CO Reduction to n-Propanol.

The electrocatalytic carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide reduction reaction (CO2RR or CORR) features a sustainable method for reducing carbon emissions and producing value-added chemicals. However, the generation of C3 products with higher energy density and market values, such as n-propanol, remains highly challenging, which is attributed to the unclear formation mechanism of C3+ versus C2 products. In this work, by the Tafel slope analysis, electrolyte pH correlation exploration, and the kinetic analysis of CO partial pressure fitting, it is identified that both n-propanol and C2 products share the same rate-determining step, which is the coupling of two C1 intermediatesvia the derivation of the Butler-Volmer equation. In addition, inspired by the mechanistic study, it is proposed that a high OH─ concentration and a water-limited environment are beneficial for promoting the subsequent *C2-*C1 coupling to n-propanol. At 5.0m [OH-], the partial current density of producing n-propanol (jn-propanol) reached 45 mAcm-2, which is 35 and 1.3 times higher than that at 0.01m [OH-] and 1.0m [OH-], respectively. This study provides a comprehensive kinetic analysis of n-propanol production and suggests opportunities for designing new catalytic systems for promoting the C3 production.

Zirconium-doped ultrathin copper nanowires for C1 and C2+ products in electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction

Cu-based nanostructures have garnered significant attention in the field of electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction (eCO2R), due to their significant activity and ability to produce a variety of value-added hydrocarbons and oxygenates. Current research efforts focus on steering eCO2R towards the formation of multi-carbon (C2+) products and elucidating the complex mechanisms of C-C coupling. One promising approach involves transition metals into Cu nanostructures. This study computationally investigates the impact of trace Zr atom doping on Cu nanostructures, specifically at the interfaces of (100) and (110) surfaces of ultrathin Cu nanowires. Our findings reveal that Zr dopants are energetically favourable and facilitate charge transfer to adjacent Cu atoms, thereby reducing the activation barriers for C-C coupling and enhancing the formation of C1 and C2 hydrocarbons. Additionally, the Zr-O interaction weakens the C-O bond, promoting C-O bond cleavage. The formation of C3 products, and the selectivity between hydrocarbons and oxygenates, are influenced by the hydrogenation sequence on different carbon atoms.

Hydrogen peroxide mediated thermo-catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to C1-C2 products over Cu (0)

The global challenge concerning CO2 conversion to valuable products is anticipated to execute an essential task towards net zero carbon emissions. Thermal CO2 reduction is advantageous in terms of higher conversion rates, selectivity, and already-established industrial thermal instruments for scalability. However, the method is energy-intensive, a hindrance to sustainably practical adoption. Herein, we present a comprehensive study of H2O2-mediated thermal CO2 conversion in the presence of dendritic zerovalent copper (d-ZCu) in a batch-type reactor, yielding C1 and C2 carbon products, with acetic acid (AcOH) as the major product (achieving an optimized yield of approximately 0.98 M and a selectivity of around 97 % at near ambient conditions of 25–150 °C and 1–15 bar), along with trace amounts of methanol and ethanol, and carbon monoxide (CO) as a gaseous product. The reaction parameters, including temperature, time, pressure, and concentrations, were optimized to gain better insight into the reaction. To further explore the feasibility of the process, experiments were conducted in a continuous flow-packed bed reactor using similar parameters as those in the batch reactor, where CO was identified as the primary product of CO2 reduction. For advanced real-life applicability, the as-emitted exhaust gases from diesel and petrol engines, as sources of anthropogenic CO2, were utilized to establish the practical applicability of the proposed method.

Exploring the influence of cell configurations on Cu catalyst reconstruction during CO2 electroreduction

Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) cells incorporating Cu catalysts are effective for generating C2+ chemicals via the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, the impact of MEA configuration on the inevitable reconstruction of Cu catalysts during CO2RR remains underexplored, despite its considerable potential to affect CO2RR efficacy. Herein, we demonstrate that MEA cells prompt a unique reconstruction of Cu, in contrast to H-type cells, which subsequently influences CO2RR outcomes. Utilizing three Cu-based catalysts, specifically engineered with different nanostructures, we identify contrasting selectivity trends in the production of C2+ chemicals between H-type and MEA cells. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy, alongside ex-situ analyses in both cell types, indicates that MEA cells facilitate the reduction of Cu2O, resulting in altered Cu surfaces compared to those in H-type cells. Time-resolved CO2RR studies, supported by Operando analysis, further highlight that significant Cu reconstruction within MEA cells is a primary factor leading to the deactivation of CO2RR into C2+ chemicals.

Modulation of p-Block Electron Orbits in Metal-Organic Frameworks for CO2 Capture and Electrochemical Reduction.

Developing catalysts with excellent CO2 capture capability and electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) at a wide potential range simultaneously is significant but remains a formidable challenge. Here, two novel InMg defective trinuclear cluster-based MOFs (SNNU-41 and SNNU-42) with abundant p-block unsaturated coordinated sites were reported and exhibited good CO2 capture and CO2RR performance simultaneously. Due to the suitable micropores, SNNU-41 showed higher CO2 capture ability at different adsorption pressure conditions. On account of the rigid framework and the closer p band center to Fermi level, SNNU-42 accelerated the conversion of CO2 molecule to C1 efficiency. Notably, via adjusting the ratio of p-block metal (In) in the SNNU-42 framework, the performance of the CO2RR was promoted drastically. SNNU-42 with the InMg (1:1.8) mixed cluster delivered an excellent Faradaic efficiency of 91.3% for C1 products and high selectivity of 72.0% for HCOOH at -2.5 V (vs Ag/Ag+) with a total current density of 77.2 mA cm-2. This work provides a possibility for efficient CO2 capture and CO2RR electrocatalysts through the modulation of electronic structures and composition in MOFs.

Sulfur-vacancy induced asymmetric active site for Bi19S27Br3 nanorods photocatalyzes CO2 conversion to ethylene

The photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into high value-added C2 products remains a significant challenge due to the limited active sites and high energy barrier of C-C coupling process. Herein, the sulfur-vacancy was established on the surface of Bi19S27Br3 nanorods, leading to the electron on residual S atoms become unstable and active. Under the light irradiation, the photoexcited electron transfer from S atoms to neighboring Bi atoms to generate in-situ charge-polarized Bi(3-x)+ asymmetric active sites, which can enhance CO2 adsorption-activation capacity and regulate C-C coupling process for the C1 intermediate. The experimental results and theoretical calculation confirm that more charges aggregate around the induced Bi atoms, reducing the energy barrier of the C-C coupling reaction and improving C2H4 formation. Consequently, the sulfur-vacancy Bi19S27Br3 nanorods achieve efficient C2H4 generation through photocatalytic CO2 reduction, which C2H4 formation rate is 17.80 µmol g−1 after 5-hour photocatalytic reaction, with the product selectivity and electron selectivity of 49 % and 85 %, respectively, outperforming the low sulfur-vacancy Bi19S27Br3 nanorods by four-folds. This research provides new insights into the design of photocatalysts.

Enhancing formate yield through electrochemical CO2 reduction using BiOCl and g-C3N4 hybrid catalyst

Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction with bismuth-based catalysts has been widely investigated in the recent few years. This is due to bismuth’s ability to perform selective electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) to an important C1 product, the formate (HCOO–). However, boosting the performance of such catalysts is a continuous investigation. In this work, enhancing the active sites for eCO2RR is investigated by forming nanocomposites with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). BiOCl is synthesized by a simple wet-chemical approach in the presence of glycine as size-controlling agent and formed into nanocomposites, which were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy and N2 physisorption. Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) in argon and CO2-saturated atmosphere showed higher current values in the case of CO2. Chronoamperometries (CA) were recorded at −1.06 V vs Reversible Hydrogen Electrode (RHE) for 5400 s obtaining Faradic Efficiencies (FE) varying in the range of 70–77 % depending on the nanocomposites’ composition. In fact, 52.1 wt% BiOCl/g-C3N4 formed the highest yields for formate (with also the highest rate of formation of formate) together with a minimal production of H2 and CO. The effect of nano-structuration induced by glycine, used as a size-controlling agent, to form nanoplates was crucial: microplates of BiOCl produced without glycine showed an FE of 4 %, reaching 85 % in the case of the nanoplates. Post-electrocatalysis characterization revealed the possible role of Bi2O2CO3 as the active phase for eCO2RR.

Customizing Ionic Liquids Functionalized MOFs Composites with Hydrophobic Interface for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction.

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) to generate feedstocks for chemical products (e.g., carbon monoxide, CO) offers a highly attractive method for achieving the closure of the carbon cycle. Ionic liquids (ILs)-functionalized Cu-based catalyst Cu2O-HKUST-1/IL1/PTFE was developed, configuring metal-organic frameworks(MOFs) based materials with high adsorption and multiple active sites. The modified electrocatalysts exhibited high specific surface area, strong CO2 adsorption capacity, abundant active sites, and fast charge transfer rate. The nucleophilic active site of deprotonation at the C2 site in imidazole ILs further improved the selectivity of proton migration and CO product generation, which was verified through DFT calculations for the low Gibbs free energy of the generated intermediate interactions. In addition, the hydrophobic interface constructed by PTFE facilitated the inhibition of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and significantly improved the efficiency of CO2 electroreduction. The Cu2O-HKUST-1/IL1/PTFE catalyst manifested a high C1 Faraday efficiency (FE) up to 96.5% and in particular 92.7% for FECO at -1.7 V vs RHE. The present work provides an efficient strategy for configuring ILs-functionalized MOFs-based materials with good hydrophobic interfaces to enhance the efficiency of CO2 electroreduction to C1 products.

Steering the Site Distance of Atomic Cu−Cu Pairs by First‐Shell Halogen Coordination Boosts CO2‐to‐C2 Selectivity

AbstractElectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 into C2 products of high economic value provides a promising strategy to realize resourceful CO2 utilization. Rational design and construct dual sites to realize the CO protonation and C−C coupling to unravel their structure‐performance correlation is of great significance in catalysing electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions. Herein, Cu−Cu dual sites with different site distance coordinated by halogen at the first‐shell are constructed and shows a higher intramolecular electron redispersion and coordination symmetry configurations. The long‐range Cu−Cu (Cu−I−Cu) dual sites show an enhanced Faraday efficiency of C2 products, up to 74.1 %, and excellent stability. In addition, the linear relationships that the long‐range Cu−Cu dual sites are accelerated to C2H4 generation and short‐range Cu−Cu (Cu−Cl−Cu) dual sites are beneficial for C2H5OH formation are disclosed. In situ electrochemical attenuated total reflection surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy, in situ Raman and theoretical calculations manifest that long‐range Cu−Cu dual sites can weaken reaction energy barriers of CO hydrogenation and C−C coupling, as well as accelerating deoxygenation of *CH2CHO. This study uncovers the exploitation of site‐distance‐dependent electrochemical properties to steer the CO2 reduction pathway, as well as a potential generic tactic to target C2 synthesis by constructing the desired Cu−Cu dual sites.

Exploring C1-C3 variations and Fischer–Tropsch chemistry via electrochemical CO2 reduction on electrodeposited Cu/Ag and Ag/Cu electrodes

Ag and Cu bimetallic electrodes are extensively studied for producing C-C coupled C2+ reduction products through electrochemical CO2 reduction. In this study, we prepared electrodes with Cu electrodeposited on Ag supports (CuED/Ag) and Ag electrodeposited on Cu supports (AgED/Cu) via electrodeposition, demonstrating behaviors for reduction products under various electrochemical conditions. The products were categorized as H2, C1 (CO, CH4, formate, methanol), C2 (C2H4, ethanol, acetate, acetaldehyde, glycolaldehyde, and ethylene glycol), C3 (propanol, isopropanol), and Fischer–Tropsch (F-T) synthesis products (CnH2n and CnH2n+2, n ≥ 2). Notably, ethylene glycol was only observed over AgED/Cu. The reduction products dynamically changed with applied potentials and electrolyte concentrations. The mechanism was understood to involve surface H* adsorption, CO2 adsorption, C-C coupling, hydrogenation, and dehydration. Minor F-T synthesis chemistry was observed, explained by *CO and *CH2 insertion chain growth. The distinct product behaviors over the CuED/Ag and AgED/Cu electrodes provide valuable insights into the development of electrodes for producing value-added carbon products via CO2 utilization.

In Situ Surfaced Mn-Mn Dimeric Sites Dictate CO Hydrogenation Activity and C2 Selectivity over MnRh Binary Catalysts.

Massive ethanol production has long been a dream of human society. Despite extensive research in past decades, only a few systems have the potential of industrialization: specifically, Mn-promoted Rh (MnRh) binary heterogeneous catalysts were shown to achieve up to 60% C2 oxygenates selectivity in converting syngas (CO/H2) to ethanol. However, the active site of the binary system has remained poorly characterized. Here, large-scale machine-learning global optimization is utilized to identify the most stable Mn phases on Rh metal surfaces under reaction conditions by exploring millions of likely structures. We demonstrate that Mn prefers the subsurface sites of Rh metal surfaces and is able to emerge onto the surface forming MnRh surface alloy once the oxidative O/OH adsorbates are present. Our machine-learning-based transition state exploration further helps to resolve automatedly the whole reaction network, including 74 elementary reactions on various MnRh surface sites, and reveals that the Mn-Mn dimeric site at the monatomic step edge is the true active site for C2 oxygenate formation. The turnover frequency of the C2 product on the Mn-Mn dimeric site at MnRh steps is at least 107 higher than that on pure Rh steps from our microkinetic simulations, with the selectivity to the C2 product being 52% at 523 K. Our results demonstrate the key catalytic role of Mn-Mn dimeric sites in allowing C-O bond cleavage and facilitating the hydrogenation of O-terminating C2 intermediates, and rule out Rh metal by itself as the active site for CO hydrogenation to C2 oxygenates.

Efficient CO2 reduction to C2 products in a Ce-TiO2 photoanode-driven photoelectrocatalysis system using a Bnanometer Cu2O cathode

Excessive emission of CO2 into the atmosphere has caused significant environmental issues. Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) reduction of CO2 is an effective method that combines the benefits of both photo- and electrocatalysis. This process effectively minimizes CO2 emissions, enhances the efficiency of CO2 reduction, and diminishes energy consumption during the reduction process. In this work, we have successfully developed a photoelectrochemical (PEC) system, integrating a Ce-doped TiO2 film as the photoanode and Cu2O as the dark cathode, in which the 4 % Ce-TiO2 film photoanode demonstrated the best performance. Electrochemical performance data revealed that the Cu2O catalysts, characterized by their octahedral geometry that optimally presents active sites for CO2 reduction, displayed superior activity in converting CO2. Through a straightforward hydrothermal synthesis, we crafted three-dimensional, flower-like TiO2 thin films. The strategic incorporation of cerium into the TiO2 matrix not only enhanced the material's crystallinity but also resulted in a uniform and compact morphology. This modification significantly narrowed the band gap of TiO2, thereby boosting its photocatalytic capabilities. In the system where a 4 % Ce-TiO2 thin film photoanode was used to drive the PEC reduction of CO2, the octahedral Cu2O catalyst demonstrated the highest selectivity for C2 products. This occurred at a reaction voltage of −1.4 V vs. RHE, resulting in a total Faraday efficiency of 67.33 %. Notably, this Faraday efficiency is double the one produced from the electrocatalytic (EC) system. This work demonstrates that the use of a 4 % Ce-TiO2 film as a photoanode is able to solve the photocorrosion problem of the Cu2O catalyst while employing a photovoltaic combination to enhance the selectivity to C2 products.

Highly Active Photoreduction of Atmospheric-Concentration CO2 into CH3COOH over Palladium Particles on Nb2O5 Nanosheets.

The endeavor to drive CO2 photoreduction towards the synthesis of C2 products is largely thwarted by the colossal energy hurdle inherent in C-C coupling. Herein, we load active metal particles on metal oxide nanosheets to build the dual metal pair sites for steering C-C coupling to form C2 products. Taking Pd particles anchored on the Nb2O5 nanosheets as an example, the high-angle annular dark-field image and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrate the presence of Pd-Nb metal pair sites on the Pd-Nb2O5 nanosheets. Density functional theory calculations reveal these sites exhibit a low reaction energy barrier of only 1.02 eV for C-C coupling, implying that the introduction of Pd particles effectively tailors the reaction step to form C2 products. Therefore, the Pd-Nb2O5 nanosheets achieve a CH3COOH evolution rate of 13.5 μmol g-1 h-1 in photoreduction of atmospheric-concentration CO2, outshining all other single photocatalysts reported to date under analogous conditions.

Surface fluorination of BiVO4 for the photoelectrochemical oxidation of glycerol to formic acid

The C–C bond cleavage of biomass-derived glycerol to generate value-added C1 products remains challenging owing to its slow kinetics. We propose a surface fluorination strategy to construct dynamic dual hydrogen bonds on a semiconducting BiVO4 photoelectrode to overcome the kinetic limit of the oxidation of glycerol to produce formic acid (FA) in acidic media. Intensive spectroscopic characterizations confirm that double hydrogen bonds are formed by the interaction of the F–Bi–F sites of modified BiVO4 with water molecules, and the unique structure promotes the generation of hydroxyl radicals under light irradiation, which accelerates the kinetics of C–C bond cleavage. Theoretical investigations and infrared adsorption spectroscopy reveal that the double hydrogen bond enhances the C=O adsorption of the key intermediate product 1,3-dihydroxyacetone on the Bi–O sites to initiate the FA pathway. We fabricated a self-powered tandem device with an FA selectivity of 79% at the anode and a solar-to-H2 conversion efficiency of 5.8% at the cathode, and these results are superior to most reported results in acidic electrolytes.

Sn-modified Cu nanosheets catalyze CO2 reduction to C2H4 efficiently by stabilizing CO intermediates and promoting C[sbnd]C coupling

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a process in which CO2 is reduced to high-value-added C1 and C2 energy sources, particularly ethylene (C2H4), thereby supporting carbon–neutral recycling with minimal consumption. This makes it a promising technology with significant potential. Nevertheless, the low selectivity for C2H4 remains a significant challenge in practical applications. In this paper, a strategy based on Cu–Sn bimetallic catalysts is proposed to improve the selectivity of electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to C2H4 over Cu-based catalysts. The experimental results show that the Faradaic efficiency (FE) of C2H4 can reach up to 48.74 %, and the FE of C2 product reaches 60 %, at which time the local current density is 11.99 mA/cm2. Compared with pure Cu catalyst, the FE and local current density of C2H4 increased by 55.27 % and 35.33 %, respectively. Moreover, the FE of C2H4 remained above 40 % after 8 h over Cu10-Sn catalyst. The addition of Sn facilitates the transfer of local electrons from Cu to Sn, stabilizes the *CO intermediate, promotes CC coupling, significantly lowers the reaction energy barrier, and enables highly efficient CO2RR catalysis for C2H4 production.