Axial Dual Atomic Sites Confined by Layer Stacking for Electroreduction of CO<sub>2</sub> to Tunable Syngas
Lingxiao Wang, Xiaoping Gao, Sicong Wang, Cai Chen, Jia Song, Xianhui Ma, Tao Yao, Huang Zhou, Yuen Wu
Abstract
Arranging atoms in an orderly manner at the atomic scale to create stable polyatomic structures is a very challenging task. In this study, we have developed three-dimensional confinement areas on the two-dimensional surface by creating regional defects. These areas are composed of vertically stacked graphene layers, where Ni and Fe atoms are anchored concentrically to form axial dual atomic sites in high yield. These sites can be used to produce tunable syngas through the electroreduction of CO 2 . Theoretical calculations indicate that the Ni sites vertically regulate the charge distribution of the adjacent Fe sites in the layer below, resulting in a lower d-band center. This, in turn, weakens the adsorption of the *CO intermediate and inhibits the production of H 2 at the Fe site. Our research presents a novel approach for concentrated creation of dual atomic sites by building a confinement-selective surface.