Selective Electroreduction of CO2 toward Ethylene on Nano Dendritic Copper Catalysts at High Current Density

In situ deposited copper nanodendrites are herein proven to be a highly selective electrocatalyst which is capable of reducing CO2 to ethylene by reaching a Faradaic efficiency of 57% at a current density of 170 mA cm−2. It is found that the desired structures are formed in situ under acidic pH conditions at high electrode potentials more negative than −2 V versus Ag/AgCl. Detailed investigations on the preparation, characterization, and advancement of electrode materials and of the electrolyte have been performed. Catalyst degradation effects are intensively followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) characterization methods and found to be a major root course for selectivity losses.