Surface reconstruction of Cu(OH)2 nanowire during electrocatalytic acetonitrile reduction to ethylamine

Abstract

An operando electrochemical reconstruction process was observed on Cu(OH)₂ nanowires during the electrocatalytic reduction acetonitrile. The resulting electrode exhibits outstanding performance in the electrocatalytic reduction of acetonitrile to ethylamine, achieving an ethylamine yield of 477.2 µmol h⁻¹ cm⁻² at −0.50 V vs. RHE and a faradaic efficiency of 83.6% at −0.35 V vs. RHE. Detailed experiments and in situ XRD techniques reveal the dynamic structural evolution and valence state changes of the catalyst during the acetonitrile reduction reaction. This study offers valuable insights into the dynamic evolution of catalysts during the electrochemical reaction process.