Br, O-Modified Cu(111) Interface Promotes CO Reduction to Multicarbon Products.

Electrochemical reduction of CO to multicarbon (C) products with added value represents a promising strategy for achieving a carbon-neutral economy. Precise manipulation of the catalytic interface is imperative to control the catalytic selectivity, particularly toward C products. In this study, a unique Cu/UIO-Br interface is designed, wherein the Cu(111) plane is co-modified simultaneously by Br and O from UIO-66-Br support. Such Cu/UIO-Br catalytic interface demonstrates a superior Faradaic efficiency of ≈53% for C products (ethanol/ethylene) and the C partial current density reached 24.3 mA cm in an H-cell electrolyzer. The kinetic isotopic effect test, in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations have been conducted to elucidate the catalytic mechanism. The Br, O co-modification on the Cu(111) interface enhanced the adsorption of CO species. The hydrogen-bond effect from the doped Br atom regulated the kinetic processes of H species in CORR and promoted the formation of COH intermediate. The formed COH facilitates the CO-COH coupling and promotes the C selectivity finally. This comprehensive investigation not only provides an in-depth study and understanding of the catalytic process but also offers a promising strategy for designing efficient Cu-based catalysts with exceptional C products.