Polydopamine-modified CuxO nanoparticles for selective electroreduction of CO2 to ethylene under neutral conditions

Converting CO 2 into high-value C 2+ products under neutral conditions holds significant importance for both energy development and environmental sustainability, yet it remains a formidable challenge. In this work, we synthesize sea urchin-shaped Cu x O nanoparticles coated with polydopamine (Cu x O@PDA), in which the PDA creates a favorable local microenvironment for electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction reaction (ECO 2 RR). Specifically, PDA promotes the hydrogenation reduction of *CO, stabilizes the pivotal *CHO and *OCCHO intermediates, and reduces the energy barrier for the coupling of *CO and *CHO. Leveraging these advantages, Cu x O@PDA achieves a maximum Faraday efficiency for C 2 H 4 up to 53.4% in the neutral electrolyte at potential of -1.4   V vs . RHE, which is 22.3% higher than that of Cu x O at the same potential. This study offers new insights into enhancing the electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction performance of copper oxides through polymer modification, providing a promising strategy for improving the selectivity and efficiency of C 2 H 4 product under neutral conditions.