Tailoring dual-hydrophobic microenvironment for tandem CO₂/CO feedstock to enhance CO₂ electroreduction on Cu-based catalysts.

ABSTRACT: Achieving high selectivity for value-added products in the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ remains challenging due to severe hydrogen evolution, sluggish CO₂ mass transport and low *CO coverage. Herein, we integrate aerophilic SiO₂ and polymer-functionalized copper nanoparticles (Cu-poly) to construct a hierarchical-hydrophobic Cu-poly/SiO₂ composite, which limits the accessibility of H₂O, improves the local concentration of CO₂ and enhances the dimerization of *CO-*CO. Comprehensive investigation using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, in situ infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations indicates that the polymer and SiO₂ elevate the oxidation state of Cu species, enhance the CO₂ diff

SUBMITTER: Zhao T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12235556 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature