Ultrathin tin monosulfide nanosheets with the exposed (001) plane for efficient electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into formate

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Hanlin Chen - , Zhejiang University (Author)
  • Junxiang Chen - , CAS - Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter (Author)
  • Jincheng Si - , Zhejiang University (Author)
  • Yang Hou - , Zhejiang University (Author)
  • Qiang Zheng - , Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Author)
  • Bin Yang - , Zhejiang University (Author)
  • Zhongjian Li - , Zhejiang University (Author)
  • Liguo Gao - , Dalian University of Technology (Author)
  • Lecheng Lei - , Zhejiang University (Author)
  • Zhenhai Wen - , CAS - Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter (Author)
  • Xinliang Feng - , Chair of Molecular Functional Materials (cfaed) (Author)

Abstract

Current Sn-based materials are ideal catalysts developed to drive the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to formate, but competing proton reduction to hydrogen is an ever-present drain on catalytic selectivity. Herein, we report a reliable electrochemical exfoliation route, with the assistance of alternating voltage, for large-scale preparation of two-dimensional (2D) ultrathin tin monosulfide nanosheets (SnS NSs), which feature a large lateral size of 1.0 μm with a thickness of ∼5.0 nm. Systematic electrochemical studies demonstrated that the achieved SnS NSs exhibited an outstanding electrocatalytic activity towards the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to the formate product, as evidenced by a considerable faradaic efficiency (F.E.) of 82.1%, a high partial current density of 18.9 mA cm-2 at -1.1 V, and a low Tafel slope of 180 mV dec-1. Further, using an electrode prepared from the resulting SnS NSs by the particle transfer method, a remarkably high formate F.E. over 91% was achieved in a wide potential window. Such high performance renders the SnS NSs among the best reported tin sulfide-based CO2RR electrocatalysts. Theoretical calculations coupled with comprehensive experimental studies demonstrated that the synergistic effect between the ultrathin layered architecture and dominantly exposed (001) plane of SnS NSs accounted for the uniquely efficient catalytic activity for the CO2RR.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3952-3958
Number of pages7
JournalChemical science
Volume11
Issue number15
Publication statusPublished - 21 Apr 2020
Peer-reviewedYes