Multilayer Zn nanosheets promote electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO in KCl electrolyte

Electrochemical conversion of Carbon dioxide (CO2) into fuel is an effective strategy to alleviate the energy crisis and reduce carbon emissions. As the metal in lower cost, Zinc has good catalytic performance in CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction (CO2RR). Here, we report a multilayer Zn nanosheets electrode (MZN) made by electrochemical reduction in KCl electrolyte. The Zn atoms on the MZN surface and the chloride ions in the electrolyte formed a layer of Zn-Cl adsorption bond on the MZN surface, which promoted the electron transfer of CO2RR. The MZN catalyst has a maximal CO Faraday efficiency of about 86.6% at − 1.65 V vs. Ag/AgCl. And the MZN shows good stability during long-time electrolysis work. Electrochemical characteristic analysis indicates that the increased selectivity and activity of CO2RR were attributed to the formation of Zn-Cl adsorption bonds.