Promotional effects of In(PO3)3 on the high catalytic activity of CuO–In(PO3)3/C for the CO2 reduction reaction

Abstract

The construction of Cu–In bi-component catalysts is an effective strategy to enhance the electrocatalytic properties towards the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). However, realizing the co-promotion of In and heteroatom P on the electrocatalytic performance is still a challenge due to the poor selectivity of metal phosphides. Herein, a novel bi-component catalyst (CuO–In(PO₃)₃/C) was successfully synthesized via a facile one-pot reaction to realize the integration of Cu, In, and P species for the enhancement of electrocatalysis. In particular, the as-obtained nanorod-like Cu–In(PO₃)₃/C exhibits superior electrocatalysis towards the CO₂RR, with the highest Faraday efficiency of CO (FE_CO) of 88.5% at −0.586 V. Furthermore, Cu–In(PO₃)₃/C shows better activity, selectivity, and stability in the CO₂RR; in particular, the total current density can reach 178.09 mA cm⁻² at −0.886 V in 2.0 M KOH solution when a flow cell is employed. This work provides a reliable method for simplifying the synthesis of novel Cu-based catalysts and exploits the application of heteroatom P in the field of efficient CO₂RR.