Multi-layered CuO/SiO2 core-shell structure improves electrocatalytic CO2-to-n-propanol conversion

The electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to high-energy-density C3 product (e.g., n-propanol) is of great importance, but restricted by low selectivity and activity. Herein, we developed a novel CuO/SiO2 electrocatalyst, with multi-layered CuO as core and SiO2 layer as shell, for improving the CO2-to-n-propanol conversion efficiency. Such a unique structure can stabilize and confine C1 and C2 intermediates, favoring their full contact and carbon trimerization towards n-propanol formation. It delivered a n-propanol Faraday efficiency of 13.3% at -2.38 V with partial current density of 94.0 mA cm− 2 in flow cell. The mechanism for the electrocatalytic CO2-to-n-PrOH conversion over the CuO/SiO2 catalyst was investigated by in situ Raman spectra and attenuated total reflection surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectra.