Selective electro-reduction of CO2 to formate on nanostructured Bi from reduction of BiOCl nanosheets

• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2014.06.013
• Publication Date: 2014-06-18T08:00:22Z
• Authors: Hui Zhang; Ying Ma; Fengjiao Quan; Jiajin Huang; Falong Jia; Lizhi Zhang
• Keywords: Overpotential; Bismuth

Abstract In this paper, we present our work on electrochemical reduction of CO 2 under ambient conditions using a high-surface-area bismuth (HSA-Bi) catalyst, which is fabricated by electrochemical reduction of BiOCl nanosheets. This HSA-Bi catalyst exhibits surprising selectivity towards reduction of CO 2 to formate with a high Faradic efficiency (~ 92%). In addition, the activity of this catalyst remains stable during long-time electrolysis and maximum current density of ~ 3.7 mA mg − 1 could be obtained. The high activity is attributed to the special nanostructure of catalyst, as indicated by lower overpotential of CO 2 reduction on HSA-Bi than that on commercial Bi powder. The HSA-Bi catalyst is believed to be a promising catalyst for further application.