《二氧化碳电还原》专辑序言

环境污染和能源短缺是当今人类社会发展所面临的极为严峻的问题.当前世界的能源消耗仍是以化石能源为主,随着工业的高速发展,化石燃料大量消耗,大气中以二氧化碳(CO2)为主的温室气体排放量不断增加,自然界的碳平衡已经面临严峻挑战.目前,全世界每年排放的二氧化碳约20亿吨,大气中二氧化碳的浓度已从19世纪末期的280 ppm增加至目前的415 ppm.

Cu single-atom electrocatalyst on nitrogen-containing graphdiyne for CO_(2) electroreduction to CH_(4)

Developing Cu single-atom catalysts(SACs)with well-defined active sites is highly desirable for producing CH4 in the electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction and understanding the structure-property relationship.Herein,a new graphdiyne analogue with uniformly distributed N_(2)-bidentate(note that N_(2)-bidentate site=N^N-bidentate site;N_(2)≠dinitrogen gas in this work)sites are synthesized.Due to the strong interaction between Cu and the N_(2)-bidentate site,a Cu SAC with isolated undercoordinated Cu-N_(2) sites(Cu1.0/N_(2)-GDY)is obtained,with the Cu loading of 1.0 wt%.Cu1.0/N_(2)-GDY exhibits the highest Faradaic efficiency(FE)of 80.6% for CH_(4) in electrocatalytic reduction of CO_(2) at-0.96 V vs.RHE,and the partial current density of CH_(4) is 160 mA cm^(-2).The selectivity for CH_(4) is maintained above 70% when the total current density is 100 to 300 mA cm^(-2).More remarkably,the Cu1.0/N_(2)-GDY achieves a mass activity of 53.2 A/mgCu toward CH4 under-1.18 V vs.RHE.In situ electrochemical spectroscopic studies reveal that undercoordinated Cu-N_(2) sites are more favorable in generating key ^(*)COOH and ^(*)CHO intermediate than Cu nanoparticle counterparts.This work provides an effective pathway to produce SACs with undercoordinated Metal-N_(2) sites toward efficient electrocatalysis.

Chalcogen heteroatoms doped nickel-nitrogen-carbon single-atom catalysts with asymmetric coordination for efficient electrochemical CO_(2) reduction

The electronic configuration of central metal atoms in single-atom catalysts(SACs)is pivotal in electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction(eCO_(2)RR).Herein,chalcogen heteroatoms(e.g.,S,Se,and Te)were incorporated into the symmetric nickel-nitrogen-carbon(Ni-N_(4)-C)configuration to obtain Ni-X-N_(3)-C(X:S,Se,and Te)SACs with asymmetric coordination presented for central Ni atoms.Among these obtained Ni-X-N_(3)-C(X:S,Se,and Te)SACs,Ni-Se-N_(3)-C exhibited superior eCO_(2)RR activity,with CO selectivity reaching~98% at-0.70 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE).The Zn-CO_(2) battery integrated with Ni-Se-N_(3)-C as cathode and Zn foil as anode achieved a peak power density of 1.82 mW cm^(-2) and maintained remarkable rechargeable stability over 20 h.In-situ spectral investigations and theoretical calculations demonstrated that the chalcogen heteroatoms doped into the Ni-N_(4)-C configuration would break coordination symmetry and trigger charge redistribution,and then regulate the intermediate behaviors and thermodynamic reaction pathways for eCO_(2)RR.Especially,for Ni-Se-N_(3)-C,the introduced Se atoms could significantly raise the d-band center of central Ni atoms and thus remarkably lower the energy barrier for the rate-determining step of ^(*)COOH formation,contributing to the promising eCO_(2)RR performance for high selectivity CO production by competing with hydrogen evolution reaction.

A highly efficient flower-like cobalt catalyst for electroreduction of carbon dioxide

Electrochemical conversion of CO2 into fuel has been regarded as a promising approach to achieve the global carbon cycle.Herein,we report an efficient cobalt catalyst with a unique flower-like morphology synthesized by a green and facile hydrothermal method,in which n-butylamine is used as the capping agent.The resultant catalyst shows superior electrocatalytic activity toward CO2 electroreduction,which is highly selective for generating formate with a Faraday efficiency of 63.4%.Electrochemical analysis reveals that the oxide on the surface is essential for the electrocatalysis of the CO2 reduction reaction.Cyclic voltammograms further suggest that this catalyst is highly active for the oxidation of reduced product,and can thus be seen as a bifunctional catalyst.

Fundamental aspects in CO_(2) electroreduction reaction and solutions from in situ vibrational spectroscopies

Using renewable energy to drive carbon dioxide reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)electrochemically into chemicals with high energy density is an efficient way to achieve carbon neutrality,where the effective utilization of CO_(2) and the storage of renewable energy are realized.The reactivity and selectivity of CO_(2)RR depend on the structure and composition of the catalyst,applied potential,electrolyte,and pH of the solution.Besides,multiple electron and proton transfer steps are involved in CO_(2)RR,making the reaction pathways even more complicated.In pursuit of molecular-level insights into the CO_(2)RR processes,in situ vibrational methods including infrared,Raman and sum frequency generation spectroscopies have been deployed to monitor the dynamic evolution of catalyst structure,to identify reactive intermediates as well as to investigate the effect of local reaction environment on CO_(2)RR performance.This review summarizes key findings from recent electrochemical vibrational spectrosopic studies of CO_(2)RR in addressing the following issues:the CO_(2)RR mechanisms of different pathways,the role of surface-bound CO species,the compositional and structural effects of catalysts and electrolytes on CO_(2)RR activity and selectivity.Our perspectives on developing high sensitivity wide-frequency infrared spectroscopy,coupling different spectroelectrochemical methods and implementing operando vibrational spectroscopies to tackle the CO_(2)RR process in pilot reactors are offered at the end.

Progress of electrochemical CO_(2)reduction reactions over polyoxometalate-based materials

Electrochemical CO_(2)reduction to value-added fuels and chemicals is recognized as a promising strategy to alleviate energy shortages and global warming owing to its high efficiency and economic feasibility.Recently,understanding the activity origin,selectivity regulation,and reaction mechanisms of CO_(2)reduction reactions(CO_(2)RRs)has become the focus of efficient electrocatalyst design.Polyoxometalates(POMs),a unique class of nanosized metal-oxo clusters,are promising candidates for the development of efficient CO_(2)RR electrocatalysts and,owing to their well-defined structure,remarkable electron/proton storage and transfer ability,and capacities for adsorption and activation of CO_(2),are ideal models for investigating the activity origin and reaction mechanisms of CO_(2)RR electrocatalysts.In this review,we focus on the activity origin and mechanism of CO_(2)RRs and survey recent advances that were achieved by employing POMs in electrocatalytic CO_(2)RRs.We highlight the significant roles of POMs in the electrocatalytic CO_(2)RR process and the main factors influencing selectivity regulation and catalytic CO_(2)RR performance,including the electrolyte,electron-transfer process,and surface characteristics.Finally,we offer a perspective of the advantages and future challenges of POM-based materials in electrocatalytic CO_(2)reduction that could inform new advancements in this promising research field.

Influence of transition metal modification of oxide-derived Cu electrodes in electroreduction of CO_2

The modification of oxide-derived Cu electrode with Ni, Zn, and Au was examined to improve the catalytic activity of COz electroreduction. The experimental results showed that Ni modification increased the Faraday efficiency of the formation of formic acid and n-propanol. The Faraday effi- ciency relating to the formation of the liquid products was as high as 34.3% at -1.5 V versus the saturated calomel electrode reference potential. In contrast, modification with Zn reduced the for- mic acid formation efficiency but enhanced the alcohol formation efficiency. Finally, modification with Au suppressed the selectivity toward the formation of both formic acid and alcohols.

Tuning the intermediate reaction barriers by a CuPd catalyst to improve the selectivity of CO_(2) electroreduction to C_(2) products

Electrochemical CO2 reduction is a promising strategy for the utilization of CO2 and intermittent excess electricity.Cu is the only single metal catalyst that can electrochemically convert CO2 into multicarbon products.However,Cu exhibits an unfavorable activity and selectivity for the generation of C2 products because of the insufficient amount of CO*provided for the C‐C coupling.Based on the strong CO2 adsorption and ultrafast reaction kinetics of CO*formation on Pd,an intimate CuPd(100)interface was designed to lower the intermediate reaction barriers and improve the efficiency of C2 product formation.Density functional theory(DFT)calculations showed that the CuPd(100)interface enhanced the CO2 adsorption and decreased the CO2*hydrogenation energy barrier,which was beneficial for the C‐C coupling.The potential‐determining step(PDS)barrier of CO2 to C2 products on the CuPd(100)interface was 0.61 eV,which was lower than that on Cu(100)(0.72 eV).Encouraged by the DFT calculation results,the CuPd(100)interface catalyst was prepared by a facile chemical solution method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy.CO2 temperature‐programmed desorption and gas sensor experiments further confirmed the enhancement of the CO2 adsorption and CO2*hydrogenation ability of the CuPd(100)interface catalyst.Specifically,the obtained CuPd(100)interface catalyst exhibited a C2 Faradaic efficiency of 50.3%±1.2%at‒1.4 VRHE in 0.1 M KHCO3,which was 2.1 times higher than that of the Cu catalyst(23.6%±1.5%).This study provides the basis for the rational design of Cu‐based electrocatalysts for the generation of multicarbon products by fine‐tuning the intermediate reaction barriers.

Integration of ultrafine CuO nanoparticles with two‐dimensional MOFs for enhanced electrochemicgal CO_(2) reduction to ethylene

To facilitate the electrochemical CO_(2) reduction(ECR)to fuels and valuable chemicals,the development of active,low cost,and selective catalysts is crucial.We report a novel ECR catalyst consisting of CuO nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 1.4 to 3.3 nm anchored on Cu metal‐organic framework(Cu‐MOF)nanosheets obtained through a one‐step facile solvothermal method.The nanocomposites provide multiple sites for efficient ambient ECR,delivering an average C_(2)H_(4) faradaic efficiency(FE)of~50.0%at–1.1 V(referred to the reversible hydrogen electrode)in 0.1 mol/L aqueous KHCO_(3) using a two‐compartment cell,in stark contrast to a C_(2)H_(4) FE of 25.5%and 37.6%over individual CuO and Cu‐MOF respectively,also surpassing most newly reported Cu‐based materials under similar cathodic voltages.The C_(2)H_(4) FE remains at over 45.0%even after 10.0 h of successive polarization.Also,a~7.0 mA cm^(–2) C_(2)H_(4) partial geometric current density and 27.7%half‐cell C_(2)H_(4) power conversion efficiency are achieved.The good electrocatalytic performance can be attributed to the interface between CuO and Cu‐MOF,with accessible metallic moieties and the unique two‐dimensional structure of the Cu‐MOF enhancing the adsorption and activation of CO_(2) molecules.This finding offers a simple avenue to upgrading CO_(2) to value‐added hydrocarbons by rational design of MOF‐based composites.

Efficient electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to ethylene on copper–antimony bimetallic alloy catalyst

The exploration of efficient electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to C2H4 is of significant importance but is also a challenging subject.Cu-based bimetallic catalysts are extremely promising for efficient CO2 reduction.In this work,we synthesize a series of porous bimetallic Cu–Sb alloys with different compositions for the catalytic reduction of CO2 to C2H4.It is demonstrated that the alloy catalysts are much more efficient than the pure Cu catalyst.The performance of the alloy catalysts depended strongly on the composition.Further,the alloy with a Cu:Sb ratio of 10:1 yielded the best results;it exhibited a high C2H4 Faradaic efficiency of 49.7%and a high current density of 28.5 mA cm?2 at?1.19 V vs.a reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE)in 0.1 M KCl solution.To the best of our knowledge,the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2H4 using Cu–Sb alloys as catalysts has not been reported.The excellent performance of the porous alloy catalyst is attributed to its favorable electronic configuration,large surface area,high CO2 adsorption rate,and fast charge transfer rate.

Metal organic framework‐ionic liquid hybrid catalysts for the selective electrochemical reduction of CO_(2) to CH4

The electrochemical reduction of CO_(2) towards hydrocarbons is a promising technology that can utilize CO_(2) and prevent its atmospheric accumulation while simultaneously storing renewable en‐ergy.However,current CO_(2) electrolyzers remain impractical on a large scale due to the low current densities and faradaic efficiencies(FE)on various electrocatalysts.In this study,hybrid HKUST‐1 metal‐organic framework‒fluorinated imidazolium‐based room temperature ionic liquid(RTIL)electrocatalysts are designed to selectively reduce CO_(2) to CH_(4).An impressive FE of 65.5%towards CH_(4) at-1.13 V is achieved for the HKUST‐1/[BMIM][PF_(6)]hybrid,with a stable FE greater than 50%maintained for at least 9 h in an H‐cell.The observed improvements are attributed to the increased local CO_(2) concentration and the improved CO_(2)‐to‐CH_(4) thermodynamics in the presence of the RTIL molecules adsorbed on the HKUST‐1‐derived Cu clusters.These findings offer a novel approach of immobilizing RTIL co‐catalysts within porous frameworks for CO_(2) electroreduction applications.

Transition metal-nitrogen sites for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction(CO2RR)powered by renewable electricity has emerged as the most promising technique for CO2 conversion,making it possible to realize a carbon‐neutral cycle.Highly efficient,robust,and cost‐effective catalysts are highly demanded for the near‐future practical applications of CO2RR.Previous studies on atomically dispersed metal‐nitrogen(M‐Nx)sites constituted of earth abundant elements with maximum atom‐utilization efficiency have demonstrated their performance towards CO2RR.This review summarizes recent advances on a variety of M‐Nx sites‐containing transition metal‐centered macrocyclic complexes,metal organic frameworks,and M‐Nx‐doped carbon materials for efficient CO2RR,including both experimental and theoretical studies.The roles of metal centers,coordinated ligands,and conductive supports on the intrinsic activity and selectivity,together with the importance of reaction conditions for improved performance are discussed.The mechanisms of CO2RR over these M‐Nx‐containing materials are presented to provide useful guidance for the rational design of efficient catalysts towards CO2RR.

Photoelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction based on metalloporphyrin-modified TiO2 photocathode

The conversion of CO2 and water to value-added chemicals under sunlight irradiation, especially by photoelectrocatalytic reduction process, is always a dream for human beings. A new artificial photosynthesis system composed of a metalloporphyrin-functionalized TiO2 photocathode and BiVO4 photoanode can efficiently transform CO2 and water to methanol, which is accompanied by oxygen release. This photoelectrocatalytic system smoothly produces methanol at a rate of 55.5 μM h^–1 cm^– 2, with 0.6 V being the membrane voltage in plants. The production of hydrogen can also be observed when the voltage is more than 0.75 V, due to photocatalysis. Our results evidently indicate that the molecules of metalloporphyrin attached onto the surface of anatase (TiO2) behave as chlorophyll, NADP, and Calvin cycle in plant cells.

Probing the role of surface speciation of tin oxide and tin catalysts on CO_(2) electroreduction combining in situ Raman spectroscopy and reactivity investigations

Electrochemical CO_(2)reduction to formate is a promising approach to store renewable electricity and utilize CO_(2).Tin oxide catalysts are efficient catalysts for this process,while the mechanisms underneath,especially the existence and role of oxidized tin species under CO2 electroreduction conditions remain unclear.In this work,we provide strong evidence on the presence of oxidized tin species on both SnO_(2)and Sn during CO_(2)reduction via in situ surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy,while in different nature.Reactivity measurements show similar activity and selectivity to formate production on SnO_(2)and Sn catalysts.Combined analysis of Raman spectra and reactivity results suggests that Sn(IV)and Sn(II)oxide species are unlikely the catalytic species in CO_(2)electroreduction to formate.

Alkali metal cation effects on electrocatalytic CO_(2)reduction with iron porphyrins

The electrocatalytic CO_(2)reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)has attracted increasing attention in recentyears.Practical electrocatalysis of CO_(2)RR must be carried out in aqueous solutions containing electrolytesof alkali metal cations such as sodium and potassium.Although considerable efforts havebeen made to design efficient electrocatalysts for CO_(2)RR and to investigate the structure–activityrelationships using molecular model complexes,only a few studies have been investigated the effectof alkali metal cations on electrocatalytic CO_(2)RR.In this study,we report the effect of alkali metalcations(Na^(+)and K^(+))on electrocatalytic CO_(2)RR with Fe porphyrins.By running CO_(2)RR electrocatalysisin dimethylformamide(DMF),we found that the addition of Na^(+)or K^(+)considerably improves thecatalytic activity of Fe chloride tetrakis(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)porphyrin(FeP).Based on thisresult,we synthesized an Fe porphyrin^(N)18C6‐FeP bearing a tethered 1‐aza‐18‐crown‐6‐ether(^(N)18C6)group at the second coordination sphere of the Fe site.We showed that with the tethered^(N)18C6 to bind Na^(+)or K^(+),^(N)18C6‐FeP is more active than FeP for electrocatalytic CO_(2)RR.This workdemonstrates the positive effect of alkali metal cations to improve CO_(2)RR electrocatalysis,which isvaluable for the rational design of new efficient catalysts.

Crystal facet effect induced by different pretreatment of Cu_(2)O nanowire electrode for enhanced electrochemical CO_(2) reduction to C_(2+) products

Electrocatalytic CO_(2) conversion has been considered as a promising way to recycle CO_(2) and produce sustainable fuels and chemicals.However,the efficient and highly selective electrochemical reduction of CO_(2) directly into multi‐carbon(C_(2+))products remains a great challenge.Herein,we synthesized three type catalysts with different morphologies based on Cu_(2)O nanowires,and studied their morphology and crystal facet reconstruction during the pre‐reduction process.Benefiting from abundant exposure of Cu(100)crystal facet,the nanosheet structure derived Cu catalyst showed a high faradaic efficiency(FE)of 67.5%for C_(2+)products.Additionally,electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction studies were carried out on Cu(100),Cu(110),and Cu(111)single crystal electrodes,which verified that Cu(100)crystal facets are favorable for the C_(2+)products in electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction.Our work showed that catalysts would reconstruct during the CO_(2) reduction process and the importance in morphology and crystal facet control to obtain desired products.

Efficient photoelectrocatalytic CO_2 reduction by cobalt complexes at silicon electrode

Two homogeneous photoelectrocatalytic systems composed of simple polypyridyl Co complexes[Co(tpy)2](PF6)2and[Co(bpy)3](PF6)2as electrocatalysts and a Si wafer as the photoelectrode were used for combined photoelectrochemical reduction of CO2to CO.A high photocurrent density of1.4mA/cm2was observed for the system with the[Co(tpy)2](PF6)2catalyst and a photovoltage of400mV was generated.Faradaic efficiencies of CO were optimized to83%and94%for the[Co(tpy)2](PF6)2and[Co(bpy)3](PF6)2complexes,respectively,in acetonitrile solution with10%methanol(volume fraction,same below)as a protic additive.Addition of2%water volume fraction induced a large amount of non‐specific H2evolution by the Si photoelectrode.

Efficient CO_(2) fixation with acetophenone on Ag-CeO_(2) electrocatalyst by a double activation strategy

The electrocarboxylation reaction is an attractive means to convert CO_(2) into valuable chemicals under ambient conditions,while it still suffers from low efficiency due to the high stability of CO_(2).In this work,we report a double activation strategy for simultaneously activating CO_(2) and acetophenone by silver-doped CeO_(2)(Ag-CeO_(2)) nanowires,featuring as an effective electrocatalyst for electrocarboxylation of acetophenone with CO_(2).Compared to the Ag foil,Ag nanoparticles and CeO_(2) nanowires,the Ag-CeO_(2)nanowire catalyst allowed to reduce the onset potential difference between CO_(2) and acetophenone activation,thus enabling efficient electrocarboxylation to form 2-phenyllactic acid.The Faradaic efficiency for producing 2-phenyllactic acid reached 91%at−1.8 V versus Ag/AgI.This double activation strategy of activating both CO_(2)and organic substrate molecules can benefit the catalyst design to improve activities and selectivities in upgrading CO_(2)fixation for higher-value electrocarboxylation.

Structural and interfacial engineering of well‐defined metal‐organic ensembles for electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction(CO_(2)RR)has been generally regarded as green technologies that can convert renewable energy such as sunlight and wind into fuels and valuable chemicals.However,the large‐scale implementation of CO_(2)RR is severely hindered by the lack of high‐performance CO_(2)RR electrocatalysts.Heterogeneous molecular catalysts and metal‐organic framework with well‐defined structure and high tunability of the metal centers and ligands show great promise for CO_(2)RR in terms of both fundamental understanding and practical application.Here,structural and interfacial engineering of these well‐defined metal‐organic ensembles is summarized.This review starts from the fundamental electrochemistry of CO_(2)RR and its evaluation criteria,and then moves to the heterogeneous molecular catalysts and metal‐organic framework with emphasis on the engineering of metal centers and ligands,their interaction with supports,as well as in situ reconstruction of metal‐organic ensembles.Summary and outlook are present in the end,with the hope to inspire and provoke more genuine thinking on the design and fabrication of efficient CO_(2)RR electrocatalysts.

Guanine-regulated proton transfer enhances CO_(2)-to-CH_(4) selectivity over copper electrode

Electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction has attracted growing attention as a promising route to realize artificial carbon recycling.Proton transfer plays an essential role in CO_(2) reduction and dramatically impacts product distribution.However,the precise control of proton transfer during CO_(2) reduction remains challenging.In this study,we present a well-controlled proton transfer through the modification of several purines with similar molecular structures,and reveal a direct correlation between surface proton transfer capability and CO_(2) reduction selectivity over Cu electrode.With a moderate proton transfer capability,the guanine modification can remarkably boost CH_(4) production and suppress C2 products formation.In-situ ATR-SEIRAS suggests a weakened^(*)CO intermediate adsorption and a relatively low local pH environment after the guanine modification,which facilitates the^(*)CO protonation and detachment for CH_(4) generation.