The Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide on Porous Copper Nanoparticles

Copper nanoparticles of porous, controlled structure were synthesized using the sacrificial support method (SSM). The precursor weight percent (wt%) of copper (Cu) and fumed silica (EH-5) was varied to determine the optimum ratio for this material. The precursors were reduced at i) 350°C in a 7% H2 atmosphere and ii) at 250°C in a 100% H2 atmosphere. The specific surface areas of the nanoparticles was measured by BrunauerEmmett-Teller N2 absorption. The morphologies and widths of the nanoparticles were confirmed by imaging the nanoparticles by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The bulk composition of the nanoparticles was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results of these characterizations are discussed in detail. The nanoparticles with a precursor Cu content of 5 and 10wt% exhibited the most controlled morphology with smallest particle widths when reduced at 250°C in 100% H2 (21.5 ± 6.7 nm and 29.3 ±