Cu3PdxN nanocrystals for efficient CO2 electrochemical reduction to methane

Abstract Developing catalysts with high faradaic efficiency and durability for advanced products is a critical issue for ensuring commercial application of CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction. In this study, a series of Cu3PdxN nanoparticles are developed by one-pot organic phase synthesis and the composition-dependent performance for CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction is systematically investigated. The highest faradaic efficiency towards methane generation can reach 57.5% on Cu3Pd0.62N nanoparticles at -1.25 V vs the reversible hydrogen electrode. Moreover, the high faradaic efficiency of methane can be maintained during the 4 h continuous electrolysis. Our results indicate that the appropriate content of Pd could enhance the selectivity of methane and improve the stability of the catalysts.