How local electric field regulates C-C coupling at a single nanocavity in electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction.

ABSTRACT: C-C coupling is of utmost importance in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂, as it governs the selectivity of diverse product formation. Nevertheless, the difficulties to directly observe C-C coupling pathways at a specific nanocavity hinder the advances in catalysts and electrolyzer design for efficient high-value hydrocarbon production. Here we develop a nano-confined Raman technology to elucidate the influence of the local electric field on the evolution of C-C coupling intermediates. Through precise adjustments to the Debye length in nanocavities of a copper catalyst, the overlapping of electrical double layers drives a transition in the C-C coupling pathway at a specific nanocavity from *CHO-*CO coupling to the direct dimerization of *CO species. Experimental evidence and

SUBMITTER: Yang R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11336232 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature