Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Multi-Carbon Products on Organic-Functionalized CuO Nanoparticles by Local Micro-Environment Modulation

Developing surface-functionalized catalysts with exceptional activity and selectivity for the electrocatalytic CO 2 RR to C 2+ products under neutral electrolyte. A remarkable C 2+ FE of nearly 90% at an unprecedented current density of 300 mA cm −2 and maintain high FE (> 80%) at the wide current density performance (100–600 mA cm −2 ) in neutral environments using a flow cell as well as MEA electrolyzer. Mechanical study reveals that reducing the coverage of coordinated K·H 2 O water increased the probability of intermediate reactants (CO) interacting with the surface, thereby promoting efficient C–C coupling and enhancing the yield of C 2+ products.