Investigation of Cu and CuZn electrocatalysts in the CO2 Reduction Reaction (CO2RR) Using Modulation Excitation and Neutron Scattering

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 to value-added hydrocarbons in liquid-phase reactions is a critical process for developing sustainable energy solutions. However, the presence of solvent at high quantities in these dilute systems, makes it challenging to observe the subtle changes in the catalyst and intermediate structures. Traditional X-ray absorption techniques primarily focus on metal atoms and struggle to provide insights into solvent and hydrogen dynamics. In contrast, the combined modulation excitation and neutron scattering technique will enhance the detection of dynamic changes in the liquid phase of Cu and CuZn electrocatalysts in CO2-saturated 0.1 M KCO3 aqueous electrolyte and will provide real-time insights into the structural evolution and active sites during CO2 reduction. We anticipate that the additional sensitivity of the ME technique will improve our understanding of key mechanistic pathways and will enhance the ability to investigate the presence of adsorbed intermediates, particularly those of the solvent and intermediates which are critical for unravelling CO2RR mechanistic insights.