Efficient electrochemical ethanol-to-CO2 conversion at rhodium and bismuth hydroxide interfaces

Abstract Improving the CO2 selectivity of ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) is a crucial research topic right now. Rh could effectively break the C C bond of ethanol, nevertheless, pristine Rh still exhibit negligible EOR activity due to the poisoning effect of C1 intermediates. To solve it, here we fabricate modified Rh interfaces with highly-dispersive Bi(OH)3 species as directed by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood Mechanism, the strong interaction between Rh and Bi(OH)3 could provide the so-called electronic effect and bifunctional effect. Thus it facilitates the C C bond cleavage at Rh sites and the electrooxidation of as-generated C1 intermediates even at low overpotentials. Eventually, the optimal Rh-Bi(OH)3 catalysts show an apparent C1 pathway faraday efficiency of 26.2% at 0.67 V vs. RHE, the EOR mass activity of ca. 3500 mA mg−1 Rhand 10-hour-long durability. This work could provide an insightful and promising route in promoting the CO2 selectivity of EOR with high activity and long stability.