Efficient electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to ethanol on Cu nanoparticles decorated on N-doped graphene oxide catalysts

Efficient electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to ethanol is a promising approach for obtaining high-density renewable energy storage and relieving environment stress. In this paper, we report the highly efficient electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to ethanol by using Cu nanoparticles decorated on pyridoxine modification graphene oxide sheets (GO-VB₆-Cu) as robust electrocatalysts. CO₂ was efficiently reduced to ethanol in 0.1 M KHCO₃ solution by using GO-VB₆-Cu-2 catalyst at an overpotential as low as 0.140 V. The maximum Faradaic efficiency for ethanol formation of 56.3% was obtained at the potential of -0.250 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode. The resultant nanocomposite presented no degradation after approximately 24 h of continuous operation, demonstrating the pronounced stability of the electrode. The notable reactivity toward CO₂ reduction achieved here can be ascribed to large electrochemically active surface area, enhanced CO₂ adsorption, and low electron transfer resistance.