Elucidation of activity of copper and copper oxide nanomaterials for electrocatalytic and photoelectrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide

Photoelectrochemical Reduction of CO2 at Poly(4‐Vinylpyridine)‐Stabilized Copper(I) Oxide Semiconductor: Feasibility of Interfacial Decoration with Palladium Cocatalyst

“…Despite high activity in the area, there have been several limitations, which include the problems with durability and reproducibility, the impractically high overpotential for CO 2 RR, in addition to the serious interference coming from the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction further decreasing the low Faradaic efficiency. While looking for improved catalytic electrode materials, not only interfacial stability but also reactivity with the feasibility of an activating CO 2 adsorption step, selective and controlled formation of the reaction intermediates, and the possibility of the desired product removal [ 1–3,10–14 ] should be considered. Representative systems cover various electrocatalytic materials, starting from diverse metallic, bimetallic, and carbon structures, often in a form of distinct nanomaterials that include nanoparticles, nanowires, or nanotubes, nanoporous films, core–shell structures, metal complexes, organometallic networks, porphyrins with metal active sides, conducting polymers, biological catalysts, and multifunctional/multicomponent hybrid systems.…”

“…Representative systems cover various electrocatalytic materials, starting from diverse metallic, bimetallic, and carbon structures, often in a form of distinct nanomaterials that include nanoparticles, nanowires, or nanotubes, nanoporous films, core–shell structures, metal complexes, organometallic networks, porphyrins with metal active sides, conducting polymers, biological catalysts, and multifunctional/multicomponent hybrid systems. [ 1,5,10,11,15–24 ] Obviously, the CO 2 RR efficiency strongly depends on the geometry, morphology, porosity, roughness, or particle size of catalytic materials. For example, the efficiency for carbon monoxide production during CO 2 reduction over Pd nanoparticles was reported to increase with their decreasing size from ≈10 to 2 nm.…”

Investigation of Zn/Ni-Based Electrocatalysts for Electrochemical Conversion of CO2to SYNGAS

“…A suitable electrocatalyst to reduce CO 2 is necessary to reach a low-cost process with acceptable selectivity and efficiency. In recent decades, the electrochemical reduction of CO 2 has interested a lot of consideration as low-cost electricity can come from renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind [13][14][15][16][17][18].…”

Future of interfacial electrochemistry: from structure-function relationships to better understanding of charge transfer reactions and (photo)electrocatalytic reactivity

“…The research in the field of electrochemistry is identified by progress in theory and modeling in support of experimental work. Further development of electrochemical devices (e.g., electrochromic displays, electroanalytical sensors, batteries, and fuel cells) or technologies (e.g., electrosynthesis, electroplating, water splitting for hydrogen economy, corrosion protection, production of chlorine, conversion of carbon dioxide, and nitrogen fixation) would require continuing progress in the understanding of charge transfer reactions, and structure-interfacial reactivity relationships, as well as in the description of the interfaces on the molecular or atomic level [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. The growing availability of both ex situ and in situ surface analytical, particularly the operando methods, would be helpful in this respect [1].…”

“…There is a need to understand better the influence of the morphology of semiconducting materials and the presence of certain active facets or low coordinated sites on their activities. Introduction of co-catalysts and interfacial modifications, e.g., by fabrication of robust, non-inhibiting over layers having also the capability of controlling the adsorption energy and possible activation steps, will be crucial for such technologies as photoelectrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (artificial photosynthesis) [12], nitrogen fixation, or splitting of water and hydrogen production. For example, sensitization with quantum dots is a promising option but more research is needed to find new materials able to absorb the light efficiently.…”