Facile\nand Stable CuInO₂ Nanoparticles\nfor Efficient Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction

Abstract

Searching\nfor electrocatalysts for the electrochemical CO₂ reduction\nreaction (e-CO₂RR) with high selectivity and\nstability remains a significant challenge. In this study, we design\na Cu-CuInO₂ composite with stable states of Cu⁰/Cu⁺ by electrochemically depositing indium onto CuCl-decorated\nCu foil. The catalyst displays superior selectivity toward the CO\nproduct, with a maximal Faraday efficiency of 89% at −0.9 V\nvs the reversible hydrogen electrode, and maintains impressive stability\nup to 27 h with a retention rate of >76% in Faraday efficiency.\nOur\nsystematical characterizations reveal that the catalyst’s high\nperformance is attributed to CuInO₂ nanoparticles. First-principles\ncalculations further confirm that CuInO₂(012) is more conducive\nto CO generation than Cu(111) under applied potential and presents\na higher energy barrier than Cu(111) for the hydrogen evolution reaction.\nThese theoretical predictions are consistent with our experimental\nobservations, suggesting that CuInO₂ nanoparticles offer\na facile catalyst with a high selectivity and stability for e-CO₂RR.