Controllable dual Cu–Cu2O sites derived from CuxAl-LDH for CO2 electroreduction to hydrocarbons.

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO 2 affords a potential way to mitigate the greenhouse effect and fuel crisis. In this work, we compared highly-dispersed CuO nanocomposites and Cu–Cu 2 O nanocomposites which all derived from Cu x Al-LDH for CO 2 electrochemical reduction. The Cu–Cu 2 O based nanocomposites obtained through the restoration strategies still retain its layered structure, simultaneously increasing dual Cu–Cu 2 O active sites, which exhibit excellent performance in selective reduction of CO 2 to C 2 H 4. The Cu 5 Al-ER obtained through in-situ electrochemical reduction is modified by bulk phase, which can regulate active species, increase surface active sites, enhance C–C coupling. Meanwhile, the electrochemical strategy offers numerous benefits, including gentle conditions, adjustable monitoring, exceptional efficiency and adaptability. We have confirmed that cost-effective Cu–Cu 2 O based nanocomposite derived from Cu 5 Al-LDH can effectively promote C–C coupling during electrochemical CO 2 conversion and improve FE C2H4. The FE C2H4 of Cu 5 Al-ER reaches 36% at −1.2 V vs. RHE. And the current density reaches −172 mA·cm−2 at −1.6 V vs. RHE. The results showed that compared to Cu 5 Al-LDO, the FE C2H4 of Cu 5 Al-ER increased by 2.6 times. In addition, Cu 5 Al-ER exhibits excellent stability during the 12 hours CO 2 catalytic reduction process. • Controllable dual Cu–Cu 2 O sites were derived from cost-effective Cu x Al-LDH. • Cu 5 Al-HR and Cu 5 Al-ER still retain its layered structure. • The copper ratio and reduction method have an impact on the FE C2H4. • Cu 5 Al-ER exhibited superior catalytic performance in CO 2 RR compared to Cu 5 Al-HR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]