Cu-based catalysts are among the most promising materials to produce C2+ products by electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR). We synthesized N-doped carbon-coated copper (Cu0/Cu+@C-N) catalysts with a core-shell structure. By precisely adjusting the thickness of the carbon layer, the CO2 adsorption and activation were not affected, and the active species (Cu+) was protected from reduction, thus improving its selectivity and stability. This work not only regulates the restructuring behavior (Cu+ reduction) during the reaction process of copper catalysts but also demonstrates potential in reducing energy consumption and enhancing energy efficiency in the electro-synthesis of ethylene, offering new insights for future industrial applications.
Liu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.