CoN4 active sites in a graphene matrix for the highly efficient electrocatalysis of CO2 reduction

Developing highly selective, economical and stable catalysts for the electrochemical conversion of CO 2 into value-added carbon products to mitigate both CO 2 emission and the energy crisis is challenging. We report an efficient and robust electrocatalyst for the CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) by embedding CoN 4 active sites in a graphene matrix. These highly dispersed CoN 4 sites show an extraordinary CO 2 RR activity, with a high CO Faradaic efficiency of nearly 95% at −0.76 V (vs. RHE) and remarkable durability. The corresponding overpotential is 0.65 V. Our finding could pave the way for the design at the atomic scale of highly efficient electrocatalysts for the CO 2 RR.