Prism-Shaped Cu Nanocatalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Ethylene

Electrochemical CO2 reduction has attracted much attention, because of its advantageous ability to convert CO2 gas to useful chemicals and fuels. Herein, we have developed prism-shaped Cu catalysts for efficient and stable CO2 electroreduction by using an electrodeposition method. These Cu prism electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrochemical CO2 reduction measurements show improved activities for C2H4 production with a high partial current density of −11.8 mA/cm2, which is over four times higher than that of the planar Cu sample (−2.8 mA/cm2). We have demonstrated that the enhanced C2H4 production is partially attributed to the higher density of defect sites available on the roughened Cu prism surface. Furthermore, stability tests show a drastic improvement in maintaining C2H4 production over 12 h. The enhanced performance and durability of prism Cu catalysts hold promise for future industrial applications.