Electrochemical CO2 reduction chemistry of C1 and C2+ products on Cu/Zn electrodes via galvanic replacement

Abstract

Electrochemical (EC) reduction of CO₂ has gained significant interest for producing value-added products, especially with Cu-based electrodes. In this study, a Cu/Zn electrode was prepared via galvanic replacement and evaluated for its efficiency in generating C₁ and C₂₊ products during EC CO₂ reduction. Key experimental parameters included applied potentials, electrolyte concentrations, light irradiation, and electrode configurations. The Cu/Zn electrode demonstrated notably high selectivity for ethanol, alongside syngas (CO and H₂) production. The formation of ethanol and CO was primarily influenced by the applied potential and electrolyte concentration. Post-reaction analysis revealed substantial changes in the electrode's morphology, crystal structure, oxidation states, and Cu/Zn ratios. These findings enhanced the understanding of ethanol production mechanisms and C₁/C₂₊ product formation, contributing to the development of more effective bimetallic electrodes for CO₂ reduction.