Quantum Confinement vs. Mesoporosity in SnO2: Oxygen Vacancies Dictate Dominant Formate Selectivity in Hybrid CO2 Electrolysis with Unprecedented 480 mV Energy Savings

Key Points

• The study aims to explore how quantum confinement and mesoporosity in SnO2 affect formate selectivity in CO2 electrolysis.
• Investigated the electrochemical behavior of SnO2 with varying structural properties.
• Analyzed the impact of oxygen vacancies on reaction pathways.
• Measured energy efficiencies in formate production during CO2RR.
• Showed that quantum confinement and mesoporosity significantly influence formate selectivity.
• Achieved unprecedented 480 mV energy savings compared to traditional methods.
• Identified oxygen vacancies as crucial for optimizing electrolysis performance.