Electrochemical reduction of CO2 on single crystal electrodes of silver Ag(111), Ag(100) and Ag(110)

Structural effects on the rates of CO2 reduction were studied on Ag(111), Ag(100) and Ag(110) electrodes in 0.1 M KHCO3 using macroelectrolysis. The partial current density of each reduction product (CO, HCOO-, H-2) was measured at various potentials. All the Ag single crystal electrodes mainly gave CO at any potential. The partial current density of CO on the atomically stepped Ag(110) was remarkably higher than those on the flat Ag(111) and Ag(100), as is the case with Pt group metals. The partial current density of HCOO- gave a smaller orientation dependence. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.