Abstract
The formation of a nanostructure is a popular strategy for catalyst applications because it can generate new surfaces that can significantly improve the catalytic activity and durability of the catalysts. However, the increase in the surface area resulting from nanostructuring does not fully explain the substantial improvement in the catalytic properties of the CO2 electroreduction reaction, and the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully understood. Here, based on a combination of extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy, and Kelvin probe force microscopy, we observed a contracted Au—Au bond length and low work function with the nanostructured Au surface that had enhanced catalytic activity for electrochemical CO2 reduction. The results may improve the understanding of the enhanced stability of the nanostructured Au electrode based on the resistance of cation adhesion during the CO2 reduction reaction.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 2097-2102 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | ChemSusChem |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 16 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 Aug 23 |
Keywords
- Au
- Carbon dioxide
- Electrocatalyst
- Electroreduction
- X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering(all)
- Materials Science(all)
- Energy(all)