Enhancement of electrocatalytic CO2 performance by different components of Cu-based bimetallic MOFs

Abstract

Cu-based catalysts have been promising materials for electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide into C₂₊ products. However, the low selectivity of Cu-based catalysts for a single C₂₊ product limits their application. Herein, this work presents a strategy to modify the coordination environment of Cu-based MOF catalysts through the introduction of different doping atoms, aiming to improve the selectivity towards ethanol products. The CuIn-BTC-DBD catalyst exhibits an ethanol FE of 87% with a partial current density of −17 mA cm⁻² at −1.4 V vs. RHE. Through experimental investigations, we reveal the modulation of the coordination environment of Cu-based MOFs through the doping of In atoms. This strategy improves the selectivity for ethanol products. This study provides a new approach to designing bimetallic Cu-based MOF electrocatalysts with high efficiency, mild conditions, and stable CO₂RR to ethanol products.