Long-chain hydrocarbons by CO2 electroreduction using polarized nickel catalysts

The electroreduction of CO2, driven by renewable electricity, can be used to sustainably generate synthetic fuels. So far, only copper-based materials have been catalyse the formation multicarbon products, albeit limited C2 or C3 molecules. Herein, we disclose that inorganic nickel oxygenate-derived electrocatalysts linear and branched C6 hydrocarbons with sustained Faradaic efficiencies up 6.5%, contrasting metallic nickel, which is practically inactive. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy, electrochemical CO stripping density functional theory pinpoint presence stable, polarized Ni?+ active sites associated Ni–O bonds, bind moderately. reduction selected C1 molecules simulations suggest promote a mechanism reminiscent Fischer–Tropsch synthesis: COOH + CHx coupling followed successive insertions. Our results atom polarization key prevents poisoning enables CO2 wider pool valuable products. Cu-based catalysts dominated as result their unique ability produce while Ni has largely excluded due intermediate CO. Here, Ni????+ including hydrocarbons.