Nitrogen-doped carbon layer thickness modulates the Cu0/Cu+ interface for selective and stable CO2 electroreduction to ethylene

Abstract

Cu-based catalysts are among the most promising materials to produce C₂₊ products by electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (CO₂RR). We synthesized N-doped carbon-coated copper (Cu⁰/Cu⁺@C–N) catalysts with a core–shell structure. By precisely adjusting the thickness of the carbon layer, the CO₂ adsorption and activation were not affected, and the active species (Cu⁺) was protected from reduction, thus improving its selectivity and stability. This work not only regulates the restructuring behavior (Cu⁺ reduction) during the reaction process of copper catalysts but also demonstrates potential in reducing energy consumption and enhancing energy efficiency in the electro-synthesis of ethylene, offering new insights for future industrial applications.