Nonmetallic catalysts with high activity and selectivity for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO

The escalating reliance on fossil fuels has intensified CO2 emissions, presenting significant environmental challenges. Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction offers a dual solution by converting CO2 into valuable chemicals, but complex mechanisms limit selectivity and efficiency. This study introduces a nitrogen-doped carbon catalyst, JGNC, synthesized via pyrolysis with predominantly pyrrolic N (8.18% N content). The JGNC catalysts achieved a current density of -770 mA<middle dot>cm(-2) at -1.2 V (V as. RHE) and CO selectivity of 96.55% at -1.1 V (V vs. RHE), surpassing most catalysts. In situ characterizations and theoretical analyses reveal that pyrrolic N lowers the energy barrier for CO2 reduction more effectively than pyridinic and graphitic forms, stabilizing the CO intermediate. These results highlight the potential of pyrrolic N in advancing CO2 reduction technologies, offering promising pathways for developing highly active and selective catalysts.