Selective CO₂ Reduction to Formate on Heterostructured Sn/SnO₂ Nanoparticles Promoted by Carbon Layer Networks

Authors

Xue Teng, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092;
Yanli Niu, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092;
Shuaiqi Gong, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092;
Xuan Liu, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092;
Zuofeng Chen, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092;Follow

Corresponding Author

Zuofeng Chen(zfchen@tongji.edu.cn)

Abstract

Tin (Sn)-based materials have emerged as promising electrocatalysts for selective reduction of CO₂ to formate, but their overall performances are still limited by electrode structures which govern the accessibility to active sites, the electron transfer kinetics, and the catalytic stability. In this study, the heterostructured Sn/SnO₂ nanoparticles dispersed by N-doped carbon layer networks (Sn/SnO₂@NC) were synthesized by a melt-recrystallization method taking the low melting point of Sn (m.p. 232^oC). The N-doped carbon layer networks derived from polydopamine could attract more electrons on the electrocatalyst, serve as conductive agents and protect the ultrafine nanoparticles from agglomeration and dissolution. The Sn/SnO₂@NC electrode exhibited the greatly enhanced performance for CO₂ reduction to formate in CO₂-saturated 0.5 mol·L^-1 aqueous NaHCO₃ solution, showing a selectivity of 83% at only -0.9 V vs. RHE with a sustained current density of 17 mA·cm^-2 for extended periods. By coupling the catalytic electrode with a commercially available RuO₂ catalyst as the anode, the long-term CO₂/H₂O splitting has been achieved. Furthermore, a rechargeable aqueous Zn-CO₂ battery with Sn/SnO₂@NC as the cathode and Zn foil as the anode was constructed. It could output electric energy with an open circuit voltage of 1.35 V and a peak power density of 0.9 mW·cm^-2.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

CO2 electrochemical reduction, carbon layer networks, Sn/SnO2, formate, Zn-CO2 batteries

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.13208/j.electrochem.210844

Publication Date

2022-02-28

Online Available Date

2021-10-21

Revised Date

2021-10-18

Received Date

2021-10-06

Recommended Citation

Xue Teng, Yanli Niu, Shuaiqi Gong, Xuan Liu, Zuofeng Chen. Selective CO₂ Reduction to Formate on Heterostructured Sn/SnO₂ Nanoparticles Promoted by Carbon Layer Networks[J]. Journal of Electrochemistry, 2022 , 28(2): 2108441.
DOI: 10.13208/j.electrochem.210844
Available at: https://jelectrochem.xmu.edu.cn/journal/vol28/iss2/5