Selective C–C coupling via copper atom reconfiguration in CO₂ electroreduction

Abstract

Copper-based catalysts play a pivotal role in CO₂ electroreduction (CER) toward multi-carbon (C₂₊) products. However, achieving a high selectivity for C₂₊ products remains a formidable challenge. In this work, a facile electrochemical oxidation-reduction technique was developed to modulate the surface morphology of a copper foil using sulfur and oxygen as auxiliary atoms. Optimization of this approach resulted in an atomically reconstructed copper electrode (denoted as Cu-50) with a surface tensile strain of 1.1% and preferential exposure of Cu(100) facets. Cu-50 delivered remarkable Faradaic efficiencies (up to 72%) for C₂₊ products during CER, with a 53% selectivity for ethylene (10-fold higher than for a non-reconstructed Cu foil). This work guides the design of advanced copper-based catalysts that promote C–C coupling, demonstrating the potential of tailored copper structures for efficient conversion of CO₂ to valuable C₂₊ products.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

CO₂ electroreduction / atom reconfiguration / copper / C–C coupling / ethylene

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