Highly Selective Electrochemical CO(2) Reduction to C(2) Products on a g-C(3)N(4)-Supported Copper-Based Catalyst

Herein, a novel approach used to enhance the conversion of electrochemical CO(2) reduction (CO(2)R), as well as the capacity to produce C(2) products, is reported. A copper oxide catalyst supported by graphite phase carbon nitride (CuO/g-C(3)N(4)) was prepared using a one-step hydrothermal method and exhibited a better performance than pure copper oxide nanosheets (CuO NSs) and spherical copper oxide particles (CuO SPs). The Faradaic efficiency reached 64.7% for all the C(2) products, specifically 37.0% for C(2)H(4), with a good durability at −1.0 V vs. RHE. The results suggest that the interaction between CuO and the two-dimensional g-C(3)N(4) planes promoted CO(2) adsorption, its activation and C-C coupling. This work offers a practical method that can be used to enhance the activity of electrochemical CO(2)R and the selectivity of C(2) products through synergistic effects.