In-situ surface enhanced spectroscopic and reactivity investigations on the electrochemical reduction of CO2 at low overpotentials (&lt;0.7 V) was conducted on Cu surfaces. Vibrational bands corresponding to adsorbed hydrogen (Had) and CO (COad) on Cu have been identified at 2090 cm-1 and 2060 cm-1, respectively. Spectroscopic investigations show that Had is capable of partially displacing COad, however, COad is unable to displace Had to any detectable level. The preferential adsorption of H over CO on Cu is consistent with the high selectivity towards the hydrogen evolution reaction at potential &gt; -0.8 V vs. RHE.

CO2 reduction on Cu at low overpotentials with surface enhanced in situ spectroscopy

252nd National Meeting (2016)

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