Direct Observation on Reaction Intermediates and the Role of Bicarbonate Anions in CO 2 Electrochemical Reduction Reaction on Cu Surfaces

Cu is the only monometallic catalyst that produces a large amount of hydrocarbon fuels during the CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, the CO2RR mechanism and the impact of electrolyte are unclear. In this communication, two important issues regarding the CO2RR on Cu surfaces are studied: (1) the direct observation on reaction intermediates and (2) the role of the electrolyte (KHCO3) in the reaction. Surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy allows direct observation of several reaction intermediates that have never been detected before, except for the commonly detected CO. Another important finding is that CO2 molecules are mediated to the Cu surface via their equilibrium with…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 21473039, 21733004
• RG
  Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee

  Award: 26206115
• HK
  Hong Kong University of Science and Technology