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Atomically Dispersed CuNx Sites from Thermal Activation of Boron Imidazolate Cages for Electrocatalytic Methane Generation

Journal Article · · ACS Applied Energy Materials
Atomically dispersed metal sites (ADMSs) have been recognized as promising candidates for electrochemical conversion. Among a diverse range of molecular precursors for ADMS synthesis, framework materials are particularly interesting due to their high degree of tunability and control over the primary coordination sphere of the metal ions. In this work, we demonstrate that a copper boron imidazolate cage, BIF-29(Cu), is a convenient precursor for a competent catalyst with isolated Cu sites coordinated by N donors for carbon dioxide electroreduction (CO2RR). Although BIF-29(Cu) exhibited moderate methane selectivity over hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the methane selectivity is significantly enhanced by 2 times (55% CH4 at –1.25 V vs RHE) after mild thermal activation. Extensive characterization methods indicate the transformation of crystalline BIF-29(Cu) into an amorphous carbonaceous material comprising isolated CuNx sites. Moreover, in situ X-ray absorbance spectroscopy indicates stable CuNx sites that are reduced during CO2RR. This work encourages the discovery of single-site electrocatalytic systems through a rational selection of molecular precursor and calcination parameters for promoting product selectivity.
Research Organization:
Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD (United States); Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
American Chemical Society (ACS); US Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development (AOARD); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357; SC0021955
OSTI ID:
1903197
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 2427275
Journal Information:
ACS Applied Energy Materials, Journal Name: ACS Applied Energy Materials Journal Issue: 18 Vol. 6; ISSN 2574-0962
Publisher:
American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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