Angew Chem: The Functionality of Surface Hydroxyls on CO₂ Reduction over Cu₂O in Aqueous Solutions

CO₂ reduction in aqueous solutions is an attractive strategy for carbon capture and utilization. Cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) is a promising catalyst for CO₂ reduction as it can not only convert CO₂ into valuable hydrocarbons but also suppress the side H₂ evolution reaction (HER). However, the nature of the active sites is still under debate due to the complex surface structure of Cu₂O under reducing conditions, leading to limited guidance in designing improved Cu₂O catalysts. Our recent study identified the functionality of surface bounded hydroxyls on over partially reduced Cu₂O(111) for CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) by combined density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental studies.

Read more in our recent publication:

The Functionality of Surface Hydroxyls on Selectivity and Activity of CO₂ Reduction over Cu₂O in Aqueous Solutions

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2018, in press