Effect of the Nanostructured Zn/Cu Electrocatalyst Morphology on the Electrochemical Reduction of CO(2) to Value-Added Chemicals

Zn/Cu electrocatalysts were synthesized by the electrodeposition method with various bath compositions and deposition times. X-ray diffraction results confirmed the presence of (101) and (002) lattice structures for all the deposited Zn nanoparticles. However, a bulky (hexagonal) structure with particle size in the range of 1–10 μm was obtained from a high-Zn-concentration bath, whereas a fern-like dendritic structure was produced using a low Zn concentration. A larger particle size of Zn dendrites could also be obtained when Cu(2+) ions were added to the high-Zn-concentration bath. The catalysts were tested in the electrochemical reduction of CO(2) (CO(2)RR) using an H-cell type reactor under ambient conditions. Despite the different sizes/shapes, the CO(2)RR products obtained on the nanostructured Zn catalysts depended largely on their morphologies. All the dendritic structures led to high CO production rates, while the bulky Zn structure produced formate as the major product, with limited amounts of gaseous CO and H(2). The highest CO/H(2) production rate ratio of 4.7 and a stable CO production rate of 3.55 μmol/min were obtained over the dendritic structure of the Zn/Cu–Na200 catalyst at −1.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl during 4 h CO(2)RR. The dissolution and re-deposition of Zn nanoparticles occurred but did not affect the activity and selectivity in the CO(2)RR of the electrodeposited Zn catalysts. The present results show the possibilities to enhance the activity and to control the selectivity of CO(2)RR products on nanostructured Zn catalysts.