Efficient electrocatalytic conversion of CO₂ to CO using ligand-protected Au₂₅ clusters

摘要

An apparatus and method for CO₂ reduction using an Au₂₅ electrode. The Au₂₅ electrode is comprised of ligand-protected Au₂₅ having a structure comprising an icosahedral core of 13 atoms surrounded by a shell of six semi-ring structures bonded to the core of 13 atoms, where each semi-ring structure is typically —SR—Au—SR—Au—SR or —SeR—Au—SeR—Au—SeR. The 12 semi-ring gold atoms within the six semi-ring structures are stellated on 12 of the 20 faces of the icosahedron of the Au₁₃ core, and organic ligand —SR or —SeR groups are bonded to the Au₁₃ core with sulfur or selenium atoms. The Au₂₅ electrode and a counter-electrode are in contact with an electrolyte comprising CO₂ and H+, and a potential of at least −0.1 volts is applied from the Au₂₅ electrode to the counter-electrode.