In situ FTIRS studies of CO2 reduction on thin film alloy electrodes

: The nanometer thin film alloy electrode (Sb-Pb-Pt/GC) was prepared by electrochemical methods. Excellent catalytic effect was observed on these film alloy material in the electro-reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2). The reduction can take place at potentials as high as -0.4 V. The oxidation of reduced products of CO2 on Sb-Pb-Pt/GC yielded current peaks at arrowed -0.08, 0.2 and 0.3 V, while the oxidation of reduction products on a nm-Pt/GC electrode gave rise a current peak near 0.4 V. The in situ FTIR spectroscopic studies confirmed at a molecule level that the products of CO2 reduction on Sb-Pb-Pt/GC are mainly organic acid and alcoholic compounds, while on a nm-Pt/GC electrode the production of CO2 is mainly CO species.