Density Functional Theory Study of CuAg Bimetal Electrocatalyst for CO2RR to Produce CH3OH

Abstract

Converting superfluous CO2 into value-added chemicals is regarded as a practical approach for alleviating the global warming problem. Powered by renewable electricity, CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR) have attracted intense interest owing to their favorable efficiency. Metal catalysts exhibit high catalytic efficiency for CO2 reduction. However, the reaction mechanisms have yet to be investigated. In this study, CO2RR to CH3OH catalyzed by CuAg bimetal is theoretically investigated. The configurations and stability of the catalysts and the reaction pathway are studied. The results unveil the mechanisms of the catalysis process and prove the feasibility of CuAg clusters as efficient CO2RR catalysts, serving as guidance for further experimental exploration. This study provides guidance and a reference for future work in the design of mixed-metal catalysts with high CO2RR performance.