Dual-metal catalyst steers CO2 conversion path: Switchable formic acid or ethanol production via electronic control

Researchers at Jilin University have pioneered a tunable catalyst that significantly improves selective conversion of CO₂ into target fuels. Published in Science China Chemistry, the study demonstrates how strategically embedding bismuth or manganese atoms into copper oxyhydroxide nanosheets steers electrochemical CO₂ reduction toward distinct products—achieving 90.3% formic acid efficiency with bismuth or enhanced ethanol production with manganese. This approach addresses a persistent challenge in copper catalysis: controlling competing reaction pathways that traditionally yield mixed products. "The secondary metal acts like a molecular traffic controller," explains lead researcher Professor Jingqi Guan, "by reshaping copper's electronic architecture, it directs CO₂ down specific reaction paths."

Performance data confirm the precision control: the bismuth-doped catalyst (CuBiOOH) achieves 90.3% formic acid selectivity at 20.4 mA/cm² current density while maintaining stable operation for over 25 hours—a significant improvement over conventional copper catalysts. Meanwhile, manganese-doped variants (CuMnOOH) double ethanol production compared to pure copper systems. Synchrotron analysis reveals bismuth withdraws electrons from copper, optimizing formate intermediate binding, while manganese induces lattice strain to expose active sites for C-C coupling.

This atomic-level control opens practical routes for converting CO₂ into valuable chemicals. The high efficiency and stability of the catalysts, combined with their cost-effective synthesis, make them promising candidates for sustainable fuel production. Key mechanistic insights were uncovered through advanced synchrotron studies conducted at national research facilities.