Potential induced restructuring of copper electrodes: stability and site specificity for CO2 reduction

Electroreduction of CO2 represents a promising approach towards artificial carbon recycling for addressing global challenges in energy and sustainability. The product selectivity during CO2 reduction on single crystal electrodes is associated to the adsorbed species and composition of the electrochemical interphase. On Cu(001) adsorption of oxygenated species leads to faceting of the surface. At potentials where no oxygenated species is adsorbed,a change in the faceting was observed. We aim to study the time evolution of the restructuring on the Cu(001) surface in the presence of an inert gas, oxygen and CO2 with High-Energy Surface X-ray diffraction. The technique is essential to follow the restructuring process on the relevant time scale. The results will provide valuable understanding. of the role of the oxides and oxide reaction process in the electrochemical reduction of CO2 on copper and copper oxides which will be crucial in the development of active and selective catalysts.