Multifunctional Binding Interface Drives Near‐Unity CO Selectivity in Acidic CO<sub>2</sub> Electrolysis

Z Zhengyuan Li Y Yuting Xu (Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine) X Xing Li (Interdisciplinary Science Center, State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management, Institute of Zoology) G Gregory D. Y. Foley (Department of Chemistry Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland 21218 USA) D Dian‐Zhao Lin (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland 21218 USA) L Lingyu Zhang (Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University) K Krish N. Jayarapu L Long Chen (Department of Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter and State Key Laboratory of Advanced Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry) C Carter S. Gerke A Andong Liu A Anmol Mathur Z Zhiyao Qi (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland 21218 USA) L Lavanya Gupta V Van Sara Thoi (Department of Chemistry Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland 21218 USA) F Fanglin Che (Department of Chemical Engineering) Y Yayuan Liu

Abstract

AbstractThe electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction is challenged by the parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) especially in acidic media. Here, we elaborate that redox‐active isoindigo, acting as a multifunctional co‐catalyst, can pre‐activate CO2‐bound intermediates and suppress HER upon the synergistic effects of Lewis acid‐base adduct formation, intramolecular hydrogen‐bond interaction, and interfacial water structure modulation. Modifying a silver catalyst with isoindigo substantially decreases the energy barrier for CO2‐to‐*COOH conversion, which is regarded as the potential‐limiting step of carbon monoxide production. Accordingly, superior catalytic performances are obtained at pH 2, where Faradaic efficiencies surpass 99% at industrial‐relevant current densities. Moreover, we find that assembling an additional polyamine‐coated layer in front of gas flow channels improves CO2 transport to the catalyst layer, optimizing the trade‐off of conversion and selectivity at low flow rates.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 64, Issue 43
Published October 20, 2025
ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher Wiley

Journal Info

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Wiley

ISSN: 1433-7851 Physical Sciences

Authors (16)

Z

Zhengyuan Li

Y

Yuting Xu

Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine

X

Xing Li

Interdisciplinary Science Center, State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management, Institute of Zoology

G

Gregory D. Y. Foley

Department of Chemistry Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland 21218 USA

D

Dian‐Zhao Lin

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland 21218 USA

L

Lingyu Zhang

Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University

K

Krish N. Jayarapu

L

Long Chen

Department of Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter and State Key Laboratory of Advanced Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry

C

Carter S. Gerke

A

Andong Liu

A

Anmol Mathur

Z

Zhiyao Qi

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland 21218 USA

L

Lavanya Gupta

V

Van Sara Thoi

Department of Chemistry Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland 21218 USA

F

Fanglin Che

Department of Chemical Engineering

Y

Yayuan Liu