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• A novel gram-scale (around 1.66 g) diatomic sites catalyst CN-NiZn is synthesized. • The NiN 3 /ZnN 3 sites of CN-NiZn own synergistic effect for converting CO 2 to CO. • CN-NiZn shows over 92 % FE CO from −0.57 to −1.07 V, especially 97.5 % FE CO at −0.77 V. • CN-NiZn can maintain FE CO of exceeding 90 % at −0.77 V during 30 h of electrolysis. Diatomic catalysts inherit the advantages of single atom catalysts and use the adjacent metal-N sites for functional complementary and synergistic effects in electrochemical CO 2 reduction (ECR). However, preparation of diatomic catalysts with high yield, Faradaic efficiency and stability together with low overpotential still remains challenging. In this work, we develop a nitrogen-doped carbon supported Ni-Zn diatomic catalyst, whose CO Faradaic efficiency of is higher than 92.0 % in the wide potential range of −0.57 ∼ −1.07 V vs RHE, and the maximum CO Faradaic efficiency is 97.5 % at −0.77 V vs RHE. And also, CN-NiZn performs an extraordinary stability for 30 h in the long-time durability test. More importantly, large-quantities (around 1.66 g) of Ni-Zn diatomic catalysts with remarkable catalytic performance can be prepared by this method. Synchrotron radiation X-ray absorption spectroscopy was tested to reflect the coordination environment and valence states around Ni and Zn atoms. Theoretical calculations further reveal that the synergistic effect between Ni and Zn binary metal sites largely reduces the energy barrier of the reaction to produce the intermediate *COOH, thus effectively increasing the selectivity of ECR. This work indicates that the introduction of another coordination metal can significantly affect the electronic structure of monatomic catalysts, thus improving the electrocatalytic activity and selectivity of ECR. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely recognized as low-carbon transportation that adopts green and clean technology with contributing to mitigating global climate change. However, it appears that the practice in using EVs has not gained widespread popularity despite the promotion of various incentives with the presence of various restricting factors and challenges. In conducting this study in the context of China, we hypothesize that restricting factors have varying impacts on promoting EVs in China, where the adoption of EVs is of great potential. This paper identifies these restricting factors by applying AHP-FCE integrated approach, and these factors are classified into five dimensions, namely, technical, infrastructural, economic, governance and social. The results indicate that the top five restricting factors are security issues, limited driving range, long charging time, improper distribution of charging stations and lack of sharing between charging piles respectively. Our research contributes to a better understanding of EV restricting factors and their significance, which offers the assistance in the formulation of policies and decisions in order to promote effectively EVs in China. • The promotion of EVs is of great potential in China for mitigating global climate change. • Explore the RFPEVs in China using AHP-FCE integrated approach. • The RFPEVs in China can be classified into five dimensions, namely, technical, infrastructural, economic, governance and social. • The technical and infrastructural related are the most important constraints. • The main three important restricting factors are security issues, limited driving range, long charging time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]