Nano-crumples induced Sn-Bi bimetallic interface pattern with moderate electron bank for highly efficient CO2 electroreduction

DOI:

10.1038/s41467-022-29861-w

Authors:

Bohua Ren, Guobin Wen, Rui Gao, Dan Luo, Zhen Zhang, Weibin Qiu, Qianyi Ma, Xin Wang, Yi Cui, Luis Ricardez‐Sandoval, Aiping Yu, Zhongwei Chen

Abstract:

CO₂ electroreduction reaction offers an attractive approach to global carbon neutrality. Industrial CO₂ electrolysis towards formate requires stepped-up current densities, which is limited by the difficulty of precisely reconciling the competing intermediates (COOH* and HCOO*). Herein, nano-crumples induced Sn-Bi bimetallic interface-rich materials are in situ designed by tailored electrodeposition under CO₂ electrolysis conditions, significantly expediting formate production. Compared with Sn-Bi bulk alloy and pure Sn, this Sn-Bi interface pattern delivers optimum upshift of Sn p-band center, accordingly the moderate valence electron depletion, which leads to weakened Sn-C hybridization of competing COOH* and suitable Sn-O hybridization of HCOO*. Superior partial current density up to 140 mA/cm² for formate is achieved. High Faradaic efficiency (>90%) is maintained at a wide potential window with a durability of 160 h. In this work, we elevate the interface design of highly active and stable materials for efficient CO₂ electroreduction.