Soft-template-assisted electrodeposition of reduced graphene oxide–copper nanoelectrocatalysts for the carbon dioxide reduction reaction

Abstract

Electrochemical valorisation is considered to be one of the promising practical remedies for mitigating the unprecedented rapid increase in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions to the atmosphere. Electrocatalytic conversion of CO₂ to value-added carbon compounds, such as hydrocarbons and alcohols, at neutral pH with a good conversion rate and high selectivity remains a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate an exclusive electrochemical preparation of dendritic copper nanostructures–reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites towards CO₂ electroreduction. In situ template electrodeposition of copper dendritic nanostructures were achieved over a copper foil and reduced graphene oxide was used as a catalytic enhancer that stabilised the catalytic activity without degradation for several hours. In aqueous potassium bicarbonate electrolyte, reduction of CO₂ could be achieved at an applied potential of −1.01 V vs. RHE. Electroreduction of CO₂ to both C₁ (such as formic acid) and C₂ (ethanol) products could be achieved by these rGO–Cu nanocomposites. We envisage that these novel electrocatalysts may pave the way for future developments in CO₂ valorisation and for a sustainable environment.