Modulating *Co Adsorption Configuration Over the Cupd/Cu Interfaces to Improve C-C Coupling for Enhanced Acetate Production

Abstract

The selective electrochemical reduction of CO to valuable multi-carbon (C2+) products is a key strategy for mitigating global warming and addressing the energy crisis. Nevertheless, the activity and selectivity of CO-to-C2+ products conversion remain low due to the lack of effective catalysts. In this study, bimetallic CuPd was grown in situ on Cu nanoparticles via a seed-mediated approach, constructing a stable CuPd/Cu interface for the CO reduction reaction (CORR). The CuPd alloy promotes CO adsorption and hydrogenation, resulting in abundant and stable *COH intermediates over catalytic sites. Consequently, a stable asymmetric coupling is established at the CuPd/Cu interface, lowering the reaction energy barrier and facilitating C-C coupling. A high acetate selectivity of 49% was achieved at –1.0 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) with a current density of 349 mA/cm². This study highlights the critical role of constructing CuPd/Cu asymmetric sites for C–C coupling, paving the way for designing highly selective catalysts that enhance C2+ product formation and acetate production.

Keywords: CO electroreduction, Heterogeneous interfaces, Asymmetric C–C coupling, Multi-carbon products, Acetate