Copper nanoclusters reconstruction during electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) and effect of cations in the electrolyte

We developed a family of Cu-based electrocatalysts through a bottom-up approach, which revolves around the assembly of CuOx nanoclusters with controlled oxidation state and size (NCLs with 1-10 nm diameter) into catalytic electrodes (cathodes). These electrocatalysts convert carbon dioxide (CO2) to C1-C3 products (e.g., ethylene, ethanol, and propanol) at high reaction rates and selectivity. Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is of broad interest because enables the recycling of CO2 at low temperatures and pressures to valuable chemicals. Here, we aim to employ operando XAS to investigate the influence of the NCLs properties on their evolution in time under reaction conditions and on product selectivity. Additionally, we aim to understand the effect of cations in the electrolyte to lower the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which is parasitic to CO2RR. In situ techniques are needed to guide the design of efficient and stable electrocatalysts and electrocatalytic systems.