Efficient and steady production of 1 : 2 syngas (CO/H2) by simultaneous electrochemical reduction of CO2 and H2O

Abstract

Efficient generation of synthetic gas (syngas) through the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ and H₂O is a promising route to realize the conversion and storage of electricity. The production of syngas with a controlled CO/H₂ ratio is significant for the subsequent preparation of value-added chemicals. Herein, a guest–host pyrolysis strategy is employed to synthesize Co–C/N_x-based single-site catalytic materials. The as-prepared materials possess a high graphitic degree of carbon, which supports the rapid electron transport and promotes efficient electrochemical reduction reactions. As a result, these materials can serve as excellent electrocatalysts for the production of syngas by the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ and H₂O, which exhibits high production rates and steady CO/H₂ ratio (v : v = 1 : 2) at wide-range electrochemical windows. The faradaic efficiency reaches nearly 100%, and the formation rate reaches as high as 1.08 mol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 1.0 V vs. RHE.