Influence of transition metal modification of oxide-derived Cu electrodes in electroreduction of CO2

The modification of oxide-derived Cu electrode with Ni, Zn, and Au was examined to improve the catalytic activity of CO 2 electroreduction. The experimental results showed that Ni modification increased the Faraday efficiency of the formation of formic acid and n -propanol. The Faraday efficiency relating to the formation of the liquid products was as high as 34.3% at −1.5 V versus the saturated calomel electrode reference potential. In contrast, modification with Zn reduced the formic acid formation efficiency but enhanced the alcohol formation efficiency. Finally, modification with Au suppressed the selectivity toward the formation of both formic acid and alcohols.