Nonmetallic catalysts with high activity and selectivity for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO ₂ to CO

The escalating reliance on fossil fuels has intensified CO2 emissions, presenting significant environmental challenges. Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction offers a dual solution by converting CO2 into valuable chemicals, but complex mechanisms limit selectivity and efficiency. This study introduces a nitrogen-doped carbon catalyst, JGNC, synthesized via pyrolysis with predominantly pyrrolic N (8.18% N content). The JGNC catalysts achieved a current density of −770 mA·cm−2 at −1.2 V (V as. RHE) and CO selectivity of 96.55% at −1.1 V (V vs. RHE), surpassing most catalysts. In situ characterizations and theoretical analyses reveal that pyrrolic N lowers the energy barrier for CO2 reduction more effectively than pyridinic and graphitic forms, stabilizing the CO intermediate. These results highlight the potential of pyrrolic N in advancing CO2 reduction technologies, offering promising pathways for developing highly active and selective catalysts.