Engineering the Synergetic Effect Over the Ru‐Modified PdCu Catalysts for Enhanced CO 2 Reduction to Formate

The modification of the micro‐surface and electron status over PdCu bimetallic catalyst is essential for the reduction of CO 2 to formate. In this study, the relatively inexpensive Ru species were introduced to optimize the d‐p orbital coupling hybridization between the Ru and PdCu surface. By varying the Ru content, the electron status and hydrogen splitting ability of the metallic Pd were modulated. Extensive characterization showed that the introduced Ru species would shift the electron transfer over the Ru‐PdCu interface and optimize the adsorption structure of the CO 2 hydrogenation intermediates. By combing with the Pd surface with enriched electron and optimized hydrogen active surface, the 0.1 wt% Ru supported on PdCuMgAl‐LDH, derived from Layered Double Hydrotalcite (LDH), achieved triple yield of formate (0.61 mmol) compared with that for undoped PdCuMgAl‐LDH catalysts (0.19 mmol). This study provides the guidance for construction and surface regulation of PdCu bimetallic catalyst through the d‐p orbital coupling effect for an enhanced CO 2 reduction.