Aqueous CO2 Reduction with High Efficiency Using α‐Co(OH)2‐Supported Atomic Ir Electrocatalysts

High‐density atomic Ir supported on α‐Co(OH)₂ had outstanding performance for CO₂ reduction to CO. The faradaic efficiency can reach 97.6 % with a TOF of 38 290 h⁻¹. The high catalytic activity is attributed to more active sites for CO₂ adsorption and activation and more efficient for stabilizing CO₂^.− intermediate.

Abstract

Electrochemical reduction of CO₂ into energy‐dense chemical feedstock and fuels provides an attractive pathway to sustainable energy storage and artificial carbon cycle. Herein, we report the first work to use atomic Ir electrocatalyst for CO₂ reduction. By using α‐Co(OH)₂ as the support, the faradaic efficiency of CO could reach 97.6 % with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 38290 h⁻¹ in aqueous electrolyte, which is the highest TOF up to date. The electrochemical active area is 23.4‐times higher than Ir nanoparticles (2 nm), which is highly conductive and favors electron transfer from CO₂ to its radical anion (CO₂^.−). Moreover, the more efficient stabilization of CO₂^.− intermediate and easy charge transfer makes the atomic Ir electrocatalyst facilitate CO production. Hence, α‐Co(OH)₂‐supported atomic Ir electrocatalysts show enhanced CO₂ activity and stability.

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