One-step electrodeposition of binder-containing Cu nanocube catalyst layers for carbon dioxide reduction

To reach industrially relevant current densities in the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide, this process must be performed in continuous-flow electrolyzer cells, applying gas diffusion electrodes. Beyond the chemical composition of the catalyst, both its morphology and the overall structure of the catalyst layer are decisive in terms of reaction rate and product selectivity. We present an electrodeposition method for preparing coherent copper nanocube catalyst layers on hydrophobic carbon paper, hence forming gas diffusion electrodes with high coverage in a single step. This was enabled by the appropriate wetting of the carbon paper (controlled by the composition of the electrodeposition solution) and the use of a custom-designed 3D-printed electrolyzer cell, which allowed the deposition of copper nanocubes selectively on the microporous side of the carbon paper substrate. Furthermore, a polymeric binder (Capstone ST-110) was successfully incorporated into the catalyst layer during electrodeposition. The high electrode coverage and the binder content together result in an increased ethylene production rate during CO2 reduction, compared to catalyst layers prepared from simple aqueous solutions.