Electroreduction of acetonitrile to ethylamine by thin carbon-coated copper catalysts with rich active interphases

Abstract

Thin carbon-coated copper catalysts facilitate the electroreduction of acetonitrile to ethylamine, in which a faradaic selectivity of 98% and a partial current density of 117 mA cm⁻² towards ethylamine at −0.8 V_RHE can be achieved. The carbon shells benefit the formation of rich active interfaces and suppress copper agglomeration.