A catalyst based on copper-cadmium bimetal for electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO with high faradaic efficiency

Electrochemical reduction carbon dioxide (CO2) can produce value-added chemicals such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon. However, the sluggish kinetic process and complex reaction routes of CO2 electro-reduction reaction (CO2RR) largely limit the conversion efficiency and products selectivity. Herein, a Cu2Cd/Cd/Cu bimetallic catalyst by imbedding Cd bulks onto Cu substrate surface was designed and applied for the CO2RR. This catalyst presents good conductivity and selectivity toward the CO2RR. Particularly, the catalyst shows CO conversion faradaic efficiency of 84% with a current density of 8 mA cm-2 at −1.0 V vs. RHE in CO2-saturated 0.1 M KHCO3 solution. Detailed investigation has revealed that the electrocatalytic capability of this catalyst can be attributed to the boundaries between Cu and Cd that could provide sufficient active sites for the CO2RR and the formation of Cu2Cd alloy that could enhance the binding energy between the catalyst and the intermediate.