Cu₂O/CuO Electrocatalyst for Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol

Abstract

Herein, we report the controlled and direct fabrication of Cu2O/CuO thin film on the conductive nickel foam using electrodeposition route for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methanol. The electrocatalytic reduction was performed in CO2 saturated aqueous solution consisting of KHCO3, pyridine and HCl at room temperature. CO2 reduction was carried out at a constant potential of −1.3 V for 120 min to study the electrochemical performance of the prepared electrocatalysts. Cu2O/CuO shows better electrocatalytic activity with highest current density of 46 mA/cm2. The prepared catalyst can be an efficient and selective electrode for the production of methanol.