Cu₂O@COF Core-Shell Catalyst for Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction

Abstract

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) into C2+ products offer a sustainable approach to carbon utilization and the production of valuable chemicals. Cu2O nanocubes (NCs) have emerged as effective electrocatalysts for the formation of C2+ products. In this study, we applied a coating of Cu2O NCs with robust covalent organic framework (COF) layers prepared by multicomponent reactions. Compact layers of COFs are formed, which, due to their porosity, allow full accessibility of the Cu2O catalytic surfaces to CO2 molecules. Furthermore, the thickness and chemical functionality of the COF layers can be continuously varied by changing the type and quantity of monomers used to cover the Cu2O NCs. Electrocatalytic measurements demonstrate that these hybrid core-shell xCu@COF systems remain active in CO2 reduction, achieving good current density and Faradaic efficiency, while maintaining selectivity for the desired CO2 reduction products. Additionally, the COF shell provides remarkable long-term stability to the system under electrochemical conditions