CO <sub>2</sub> reduction on pure Cu produces only H <sub>2</sub> after subsurface O is depleted: Theory and experiment
Guiji Liu, Michelle Lee, Soonho Kwon, Guosong Zeng, Johanna Eichhorn, Aya K. Buckley, F. Dean Toste, William A. Goddard, Francesca M. Toma
Abstract
Significance Electrochemical reduction of CO 2 to fuels and valuable chemicals is a global imperative to address energy and climate challenges. Despite enormous efforts, there is not yet a commercial process. The best catalyst remains Cu metal, but a great deal of controversy revolves around the role of the presence of oxygen in the material. We combine theory and experiments to show that pure Cu without subsurface oxygen leads to no organic products. Thus, maintaining substantial oxygen at Cu surfaces is essential for long-term reduction of CO 2 to organics.
Topics & Concepts
Reduction (mathematics)ChemistryMaterials scienceMineralogyMathematicsGeometryCO2 Reduction Techniques and CatalystsCatalytic Processes in Materials ScienceCatalysts for Methane Reforming