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Elucidating the structure-stability relationship of Cu single-atom catalysts using operando surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy

Author

Listed:
  • Li Zhang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Xiaoju Yang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Qing Yuan

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Zhiming Wei

    (Wuhan University)

  • Jie Ding

    (Wuhan University)

  • Tianshu Chu

    (East China University of Science and Technology)

  • Chao Rong

    (East China University of Science and Technology)

  • Qiao Zhang

    (Wuhan University)

  • Zhenkun Ye

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Fu-Zhen Xuan

    (East China University of Science and Technology)

  • Yueming Zhai

    (Wuhan University)

  • Bowei Zhang

    (East China University of Science and Technology)

  • Xuan Yang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Understanding the structure-stability relationship of catalysts is imperative for the development of high-performance electrocatalytic devices. Herein, we utilize operando attenuated total reflectance surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS) to quantitatively monitor the evolution of Cu single-atom catalysts (SACs) during the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR). Cu SACs are converted into 2-nm Cu nanoparticles through a reconstruction process during CO2RR. The evolution rate of Cu SACs is highly dependent on the substrates of the catalysts due to the coordination difference. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the stability of Cu SACs is highly dependent on their formation energy, which can be manipulated by controlling the affinity between Cu sites and substrates. This work highlights the use of operando ATR-SEIRAS to achieve mechanistic understanding of structure-stability relationship for long-term applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Li Zhang & Xiaoju Yang & Qing Yuan & Zhiming Wei & Jie Ding & Tianshu Chu & Chao Rong & Qiao Zhang & Zhenkun Ye & Fu-Zhen Xuan & Yueming Zhai & Bowei Zhang & Xuan Yang, 2023. "Elucidating the structure-stability relationship of Cu single-atom catalysts using operando surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-44078-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44078-1
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