DataVXACS Energy LettersPaper
journal article·2026-01-09

Interfaces Enhanced n -Propanol Electrosynthesis by Impeding C 2 Intermediate Desorption in CO Conversion

Hongxiang Huang, Xuanzhao Lu, Linan Zhu, Zhengkai Zhuang, Yi Liu, Wenlei Zhu, Yuehe Lin

ACS Energy Letters· Volume 11· Issue 1
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Source abstract

Abstract

Electrocatalytic carbon monoxide reduction (ECOR) offers a promising route to n -propanol with higher Faradaic efficiency than CO 2 reduction, but often relies on costly precious-metal catalysts. Therefore, developing efficient non-noble metal catalysts is essential. Herein, we report a grain-boundary-rich Cu 2 O nanoparticle catalyst that achieves a high n -propanol Faradaic efficiency of 32.1% at −0.78 V vs RHE in a flow cell, with 100 h stability. In situ spectroscopy and ab initio molecular dynamics simulation reveal that the grain boundaries stabilize mixed Cu(I)/Cu(0) sites, which preserve a high Cu(I) proportion. This Cu(I)/Cu(0) interface enriches *CO coverage and suppresses *COCOH desorption, while a high proportion of Cu(I) facilitates the coupling of a C 2 intermediate with a third *CO molecule to promote n -propanol formation. This work demonstrates a precious-metal-free electrosynthesis process for n -propanol with notable selectivity while also providing key mechanistic insights.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline

Research context

NanomaterialsCatalysis & surfaces

OpenAlex topics: CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts · Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion · Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

State Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Green Resource Recycling, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, School of the Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Nanjing University

School of Pharmacy

China Pharmaceutical University

School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Washington State University

Funding

State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Technological Innovation Foundation of Jiangsu Province · Research Funds for Jiangsu Distinguished Professor · Research Funds from Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling of Nanjing University

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