Unraveling the synergistic effects of Cu-Ag tandem catalysts during electrochemical CO<sub>2</sub> reduction using nanofocused X-ray probes.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 38030620.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-023-43693-2 and PMC identifier 10687089.
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Abstract
Controlling the selectivity of the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals continues to be a major challenge. Bulk and surface lattice strain in nanostructured electrocatalysts affect catalytic activity and selectivity. Here, we unravel the complex dynamics of synergistic lattice strain and stability effects of Cu-Ag tandem catalysts through a previously unexplored combination of in situ nanofocused X-ray absorption spectroscopy and Bragg coherent diffraction imaging. Three-dimensional strain maps reveal the lattice dynamics inside individual nanoparticles as a function of applied potential and product yields. Dynamic relations between strain, redox state, catalytic activity and selectivity are derived. Moderate Ag contents effectively reduce the competing evolution of H<sub>2</sub> and, concomitantly, lead to an enhanced corrosion stability. Findings from this study evidence the power of advanced nanofocused spectroscopy techniques to provide new insights into the chemistry and structure of nanostructured catalysts.