Bismuth Oxides\nwith Enhanced Bismuth–Oxygen\nStructure for Efficient Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide\nto Formate

Abstract

Electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into\nhigh-value chemical products has become a dramatic research area because\nof the efficient exploitation of carbon resources and simultaneous\nreduction of atmospheric CO₂ concentration. Herein, we\nreport the bismuth-based catalyst in the efficient electroconversion\nof CO₂ for the formation of formate with a maximum Faradaic\nefficiency of 91% and partial current density of ∼8 mA cm^–2 at −0.9 V vs RHE. Experimental and theoretical\nresults show that the bismuth–oxygen structure of bismuth oxides\nis beneficial for a higher adsorption of CO₂ and the rate-determining\nroute switching from the initial fast pre-equilibrium of electron\ntransfer process to the subsequent hydrogenation step, accompanied\nby a lower free energy of intermediate. This work may offer valuable\ninsights into crystal structure engineering to achieve efficient electrocatalysts\nfor selective CO₂ reduction toward generation of valuable\nproducts.