Hierarchical CuO Nanorods via Cyclic Voltammetry Treatment: Freestanding Electrodes for Selective CO2-to-Formate Conversion

Abstract

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) represents a promising pathway for carbon neutralization. Here, we report hierarchical CuO nanorod arrays synthesized via cyclic voltammetry (CV) treatment as freestanding electrodes for selective CO2RR. The CV activation process generates ultrathin nanosheets on CuO nanorods, creating abundant interfaces that facilitate formate production. Optimized CV-2000-CuO achieves 42% Faradaic efficiency (FE) for formate at −1.4 V vs. RHE while suppressing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Comprehensive characterization reveals that CV treatment promotes partial surface reduction to metallic Cu and generates high-density grain boundaries during CO2RR operation. These structural features enhance CO2RR activity and stability compared to pristine CuO (P-CuO). This work demonstrates a novel electrode engineering strategy combining freestanding architecture with electrochemical activation for efficient CO2-to-formate conversion.