Decrypting the Controlled Product Selectivity over Ag−Cu Bimetallic Surface Alloys for Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction

Abstract

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (ECO₂ RR) with controlled product selectivity is realized on Ag-Cu bimetallic surface alloys, with high selectivity towards C2 hydrocarbons/alcohols (≈60 % faradaic efficiency, FE), C1 hydrocarbons/alcohols (≈41 % FE) and CO (≈74 % FE) achieved by tuning surface compositions and applied potentials. In situ spectral investigations and theoretical calculations reveal that surface-composition-dependent d-band center could tune *CO binding strengths, regulating the *CO subsequent reaction pathways and then the product selectivity. Further adjusting the applied potentials will alter the energy of participated electrons, which leads to controlled ECO₂ RR selectivity towards desired products. A predominant region map, with an indicator proposed to evaluate the thermodynamic predominance of the *CO subsequent reactions, is then provided as a reliable theoretical guidance for the controllable ECO₂ RR product selectivity over bimetallic alloys.