Ultra-small Size ZIF-8 Materials for Efficient and Selective Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to CO

Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) are considered as a novel porous material combining high stability in inorganic zeolites with high porosity and organic functionality of MOFs. The cage-like structure selectively and efficiently traps CO 2 , which is an indispensable and critical step for Electrocatalytic CO 2 Reduction Reaction (CO 2 RR). In this work, ultrasmall ZIF-8 nanomaterials are synthesized by tuning the molar ratio of the feedstock and used as electrocatalysts for the selective reduction of CO 2 to CO. The catalytic activity of the ultra-small size ZIF-8 material for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO 2 can reach satisfactory results with a Faraday efficiency of 91 % for CO and a stability of 12.5 h at a high applied potential of −1.8 V vs. RHE. The investigation can provide a new idea to explore for the design and improvement of catalysts for CO 2 RR.