Activating C-C Coupling on Copper during CO₂RR: Charge-Controlled Design of Alloy Catalysts.

ABSTRACT: CO dimerization is a key step in the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to multicarbon (C₂₊) products at low overpotentials. Although Cu(100) is uniquely active for this process, its performance remains limited, and the mechanisms behind improved activity and selectivity through alloying are not fully understood. Here, we combine machine-learning screening with constant-potential density functional theory simulations to systematically investigate CO dimerization on dilute CuM(100) alloys. p-block metals, particularly Al and Ga, make the reaction exothermic and lower the activation barrier relative to pure Cu, with Al showing the highest activity. Charge analysis along the reaction path reveals that electron donation from these heteroatoms stabilizes the CO dimer interme

SUBMITTER: Wang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12598899 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature