Electron Divergence of Cu<sup>δ−</sup> and Pd<sup>δ+</sup> in Cu<sub>3</sub>Pd Alloy-Based Heterojunctions Boosts Concerted C≡C Bond Binding and the Volmer Step for Alkynol Semihydrogenation
Xiu Lin, Fan-Sheng Hu, Qiyuan Li, Dong Xu, Yu-Shuai Xu, Zhao Zhang, Jie‐Sheng Chen, Xin‐Hao Li
Abstract
Electrocatalytic semihydrogenation of alkynols presents a sustainable alternative to conventional thermal methodologies for the high-value production of alkenols. The design of efficient catalysts with superior catalytic and energy efficiency for semihydrogenation poses a significant challenge. Here, we present the application of an electron-divergent Cu 3 Pd alloy-based heterojunction in promoting the electrocatalytic semihydrogenation of alkynols to alkenols using water as the proton source. The tunable electron divergence of Cu δ− and Pd δ+, modulated by rectifying contact with nitrogen-rich carbons, enables the concerted binding of active H species from the Volmer step of water dissociation and the C≡C bond of alkynols on Pd δ+ sites. Simultaneously, the pronounced electron divergence of Cu 3 Pd facilitates the universal adsorption of OH species from the Volmer step and alkynols on the Cu δ− sites. The electron-divergent dual-center substantially boosts water dissociation and inhibition of completing hydrogen evolution to give a turnover frequency of 2412 h –1, outperforming the reported electrocatalysts’ value of 7.3. Moreover, the continuous production of alkenols at industrial-related current density (−200 mA cm –2 ) over the efficient and durable Cu 3 Pd-based electrolyzer could achieve a cathodic energy efficiency of 45 mol kW·h –1, 1.7 times the bench-marked reactors, promising great potential for sustainable industrial synthesis.