PulseExploreJournal ClubDebatesTrendingResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeExploreJournal ClubTrending
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
May 29, 2026Small0 citations

CO Adsorption Energy Match at Dual Sites Drives C–C Coupling Activity in Rare Earth–Cu CO 2 Reduction Catalysts

View Full Paper
MSMinxing ShuHWHongming Wang

Key Points

  • This research aims to understand how rare earth elements influence C–C coupling in CO2 reduction catalysts and establish design principles for these systems.
  • Developed a descriptor for CO adsorption energy matching between RE and Cu sites.
  • Conducted electrochemical tests to evaluate performance in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA).
  • Performed in situ characterization to examine the role of Yb in C–C coupling.
  • Yb-doped Cu exhibited a stability of 50 hours at >1.5 A cm−2.
  • Achieved 65% Faradaic efficiency for C2H4 production.
  • Identified Yb's role in enhancing C–C coupling for efficient product formation.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Due to their unique f orbitals and electrons, rare earth (RE)‐doped copper‐based catalysts show promise for producing specific multi‐carbon products via CO 2 reduction. However, how different types of Re elements affect the key C–C coupling steps remains unclear, and as a result, RE–Cu dual‐site catalysts often face challenges due to the lack of definitive design guidelines. To address this issue, we introduce a descriptor, the adsorption energy matching degree of *CO intermediates between RE and Cu sites, which enables computational screening of high‐performance RE‐Cu alloy catalysts. Electrochemical tests show that Cu doped with 0.16% Yb achieves remarkable stability (50 h at >1.5 A cm −2 ) and selectivity (65% Faradaic efficiency for C 2 H 4 ) in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). In situ characterization reveals that Yb atoms substituting Cu participate in C–C coupling and promote efficient C 2 H 4 production. This work establishes a design principle for highly efficient RE‐doped Cu electrocatalysts.

Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Shu et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a192dd1fab5b468c4416ca7https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.73888
Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper