Sn-based film electrodeposited on Ag foil for selective electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO

Abstract

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction (ECR) to valuable chemicals and fuels using renewable energy is a promising way to reduce carbon emission. Herein, Sn-based films were electrodeposited on Ag foil surfaces (Sn/Ag-y) for selective ECR to CO, where y represented the concentration of SnCl₂ in the electrodeposition bath. The Sn/Ag-20 electrode achieved a high CO faradaic efficiency of 96.0% with a current density of 69.3 mA cm⁻². The enhanced catalytic performance could be attributed to appropriate superficial properties, large electrochemical active surface areas, low charge transfer resistance, efficient stabilization capacity of the CO₂˙⁻ intermediates, and suitable combination with electrolytes.