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Reactivity Determinants in Electrodeposited Cu Foams for Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction
Author(s) -
Klingan Katharina,
Kottakkat Tintula,
Jovanov Zarko P.,
Jiang Shan,
Pasquini Chiara,
Scholten Fabian,
Kubella Paul,
Bergmann Arno,
Roldan Cuenya Beatriz,
Roth Christina,
Dau Holger
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201801582
Subject(s) - reactivity (psychology) , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , electrochemistry , raman spectroscopy , chemistry , absorption (acoustics) , x ray absorption spectroscopy , oxide , absorption spectroscopy , adsorption , diffusion , spectroscopy , reaction mechanism , inorganic chemistry , materials science , chemical engineering , catalysis , electrode , organic chemistry , medicine , physics , alternative medicine , optics , pathology , quantum mechanics , engineering , composite material , thermodynamics
Abstract CO 2 reduction is of significant interest for the production of nonfossil fuels. The reactivity of eight Cu foams with substantially different morphologies was comprehensively investigated by analysis of the product spectrum and in situ electrochemical spectroscopies (X‐ray absorption near edge structure, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy). The approach provided new insight into the reactivity determinants: The morphology, stable Cu oxide phases, and *CO poisoning of the H 2 formation reaction are not decisive; the electrochemically active surface area influences the reactivity trends; macroscopic diffusion limits the proton supply, resulting in pronounced alkalization at the CuCat surfaces (operando Raman spectroscopy). H 2 and CH 4 formation was suppressed by macroscopic buffer alkalization, whereas CO and C 2 H 4 formation still proceeded through a largely pH‐independent mechanism. C 2 H 4 was formed from two CO precursor species, namely adsorbed *CO and dissolved CO present in the foam cavities.