@article{Wang2026, 
author = {Di Wang and Shenjie Yu and Jun Xiao and Haijian Wang and Xinyu Zhuang and Peiwen Wang and Hao Zhang and Suqin Ci and Zhenhai Wen},
title = {Tailored CuNi-catalyzed CO2-to-CO conversion in Al-CO2 batteries},
year = {2026},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {19},
number = {3},
pages = {94908195},
keywords = {CuNi alloy, electrocatalysts, CO2 reduction, Al-CO2 battery, in-situ spectroscopy},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2025.94908195},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2025.94908195},
abstract = {The electrocatalytic transformation of CO2 into valuable chemicals or fuels represents a compelling strategy toward a carbon-neutral future. Yet, this ambition is often constrained by the persistent challenges of selectivity, energy efficiency, and long-term operational resilience. Herein, we report a meticulously engineered CuNi alloy catalyst anchored on carbon nanosheets (CuNi/CNs), in which the electronic structure is delicately tailored to amplify CO2 adsorption and catalytic conversion. The optimized CuNi/CNs catalyst exhibits highly desired performance in the electroreduction of CO2 to CO, achieving a Faradaic efficiency (FECO) exceeding 95% across a wide voltage window. Impressively, it sustains an industrially relevant current density of 268.4 mA·cm−2 and maintains an FECO above 90% over 142-hours of continuous operation. In-situ spectroscopic investigations, coupled with theoretical simulations, reveal that the introduction of Cu modulates the Ni active sites, benefiting from fast interfacial electron transfer and the formation of Ni-CO intermediates, and thus suppressing competing oxygenate species. We further design an Al-CO2 battery featuring CuNi/CNs as the cathode, which delivers a peak power density of 27.23 mW·cm−2 at 80.58 mA·cm−2, alongside a stable discharge at 50 mA·cm−2 for 35 h. This work not only presents a high-efficiency and enduring electrocatalyst for CO2 conversion, but also pioneers its integration into functional energy-storage, charting a promising avenue toward sustainable, carbon-neutral energy technologies.}
}