Additive-assisted co-electrodeposition of bimetallic AgCu foams yields high surface area catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂RR) with a high degree of dispersion of Ag domains (CO former) in the Cu matrix (C-C coupler). Thermal oxidation of Cu and the subsequent electroreduction during CO₂ electrolysis further activates the bimetallic catalyst for selective ethanol formation.
In addition, the operando Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction are demonstrated as highly valuable techniques to provide in-depth mechanistic insights into the catalyst activation process which involves the reduction of the oxidic Cu precursors prior to the CO₂RR onset.

This work was carried out in the group of Prof. Peter Broekmann.

Reference:

• A. Dutta, I. Z. Montiel, R. Erni, K. Kiran, M. Rahaman, J. Drnec, P. Broekmann;
  "Activation of Bimetallic AgCu Foam Electrocatalysts for Ethanol Formation from CO2 by Selective Cu Oxidation/Reduction"
  Nano Energy, 2020, 68, 104331; doi:10.1016/j.nanoen.2019.104331.