Electrochemical CO₂ reduction over nanoparticles derived from an oxidized Cu–Ni intermetallic alloy

Abstract

Oxide-derived Cu-Ni (3-32 at%-Ni) alloy nanoparticles with a size of 10 nm enhance selectivity for ethylene and ethanol formation over oxide-derived Cu nanoparticles by electrochemical CO2 reduction. X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements suggest that Ni (generally recognized as an element to avoid) is in a mixed phase of oxidized and metallic states.