Stabilization of Cu<sup>+</sup> via Strong Electronic Interaction for Selective and Stable CO<sub>2</sub> Electroreduction
Yixiang Zhou, Yebo Yao, Rui Zhao, Xiaoxuan Wang, Zhenzhen Fu, Dewei Wang, Huaizhi Wang, Liang Zhao, Wei Ni, Zhiyu Yang, Yi‐Ming Yan
Abstract
Abstract Copper oxide‐based materials effectively electrocatalyze carbon dioxide reduction (CO 2 RR). To comprehend their role and achieve high CO 2 RR activity, Cu + in copper oxides must be stabilized. As an electrocatalyst, Cu 2 O nanoparticles were decorated with hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) nanosheets to stabilize Cu + . The C 2 H 4 /CO ratio increased 1.62‐fold in the CO 2 RR with Cu 2 O−BN compared to that with Cu 2 O. Experimental and theoretical studies confirmed strong electronic interactions between the two components in Cu 2 O−BN, which strengthens the Cu−O bonds. Electrophilic h‐BN receives partial electron density from Cu 2 O, protecting the Cu−O bonds from electron attack during the CO 2 RR and stabilizing the Cu + species during long‐term electrolysis. The well‐retained Cu + species enhanced the C 2 product selectivity and improved the stability of Cu 2 O−BN. This work offers new insight into the metal‐valence‐state‐dependent selectivity of catalysts, enabling the design of advanced catalysts.