Architecture engineering and lattice modulation of exposed Cu (100)/(111) surfaces for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction

Abstract

Core–shell and hierarchical Pd–Cu nanowires, with exposed strained Cu(100) and Cu (100)/Cu(111) surfaces, respectively, were constructed. The hierarchical Pd–Cu demonstrated superior overall activity, ethylene selectivity, and reaction kinetics toward the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction. Theoretical calculations indicate that the lattice-expanded Cu (100)/(111) interface effectively reduces the energy barrier for C2 production.