A Lewis basic CeO2 cocatalyst expedites two-electron air electroreduction at the theoretical limit

Abstract

Two-electron air electroreduction has shown low efficiency at the theoretical limit. Here, a Lewis basic CeO₂ cocatalyst was used to expedite the reaction, achieving >90% Faradaic efficiency at the theoretical limit. Theoretical and experimental analyses demonstrate that the incorporation of CeO₂ alters the electronic structure of ZnO, thereby enhancing selective oxygen adsorption.