Factors and Dynamics of Cu Nanocrystal Reconstruction under CO2 Reduction

Cu
nanocrystals as catalysts for CO2 reduction are a subject
of considerable contemporary interest, but their stability has not
been considered as extensively. Herein, we report on the reconstruction
of Cu nanocrystals during CO2 reduction and discuss the
factors influencing the observed changes with computer-based quantitative
analysis and spectroscopic techniques. The timelines of opposing phenomena,
sintering and declustering, previously reported separately, are detailed
with a focus on two forces affecting the final morphology: applied
potential and reaction intermediates. This intriguing system demonstrates
the need for fundamental understanding of catalyst behavior preceding
the ability to control its performance.

纳米晶铜作为CO2还原的催化剂，已成为当代研究的热点，然而其稳定性尚未得到充分的探讨。本研究报告了在CO2还原过程中对Cu纳米晶结构的重建，并利用计算机定量分析和光谱技术对影响观测到的变化的因素进行了深入讨论。对先前分别报道的烧结和退聚现象的时间线进行了详细阐述，着重分析了影响最终形态的两种力：施加电位和反应中间体。这一引人入胜的系统证明了在控制催化剂性能之前，对催化剂行为的根本理解之必要性。