Electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into CO over dual-metal M-N-C catalyst in a flow cell

Exploring efficient metal-nitrogen-doped carbon (M-N-C) catalyst is urgent to improve the performance of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). In this study, a series of dual-metal M-N-C electrocatalysts (Ni, Fe-N-C) under different calcination temperatures (at 950 °C, 1000 °C and 1050 °C) was prepared by a heat-treatment process. The electrochemical results show that, in a flow cell, as-prepared optimal Ni, Fe-N-C (1000 °C) indicates the highest selectivity for CO (at −1.0 V), with a FECO of 92.37 % and CO partial current density of − 13.76 mA cm−2. Moreover, in 24 h stability test, the current densities of Ni, Fe-N-C (1000 °C) always remains around − 10 mA cm−2, and the FECO remains above 86 %, indicating it has high efficiency and good long-term stability. This study is a promising and cost-effective exploration of the dual-metal M-N-C catalysts for CO2RR, would provide a valuable case for exploring the other M-N-C in future.