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Assessment of the Degradation Mechanisms of Cu Electrodes during the CO 2 Reduction Reaction
Catalyst degradation and product selectivity changes are two of the key challenges in the electrochemical reduction of CO on copper electrodes. Yet, these aspects are often overlooked. Here, we combine X-ray spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and characterization techniques to follow the long-term e...
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Published in: | ACS applied materials & interfaces 2023-06, Vol.15 (25), p.30052-30059 |
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Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Citations: | Items that this one cites Items that cite this one |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | Catalyst degradation and product selectivity changes are two of the key challenges in the electrochemical reduction of CO
on copper electrodes. Yet, these aspects are often overlooked. Here, we combine
X-ray spectroscopy,
electron microscopy, and
characterization techniques to follow the long-term evolution of the catalyst morphology, electronic structure, surface composition, activity, and product selectivity of Cu nanosized crystals during the CO
reduction reaction. We found no changes in the electronic structure of the electrode under cathodic potentiostatic control over time, nor was there any build-up of contaminants. In contrast, the electrode morphology is modified by prolonged CO
electroreduction, which transforms the initially faceted Cu particles into a rough/rounded structure. In conjunction with these morphological changes, the current increases and the selectivity changes from value-added hydrocarbons to less valuable side reaction products,
, hydrogen and CO. Hence, our results suggest that the stabilization of a faceted Cu morphology is pivotal for ensuring optimal long-term performance in the selective reduction of CO
into hydrocarbons and oxygenated products. |
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ISSN: | 1944-8244 1944-8252 |
DOI: | 10.1021/acsami.2c23007 |