“Point-to-face” conductive network construction boosts CO2 electrochemical reduction to formate

The conductive network is critical to the electrocatalytic performance of electrodes used for CO₂ reduction. However, the construction of efficient conductive networks remains a significant challenge, and the mechanisms by which they enhance CO₂ reduction performance are not yet fully elucidated. Herein, we developed a GN-Bi₂O₃/CP catalyst featuring a “point-to-face” conductive network that employs two-dimensional graphene (GN) sheets as the conductive agent while utilizing nanoscale bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) particles as active components. Our findings indicate that this innovative conductive network markedly enhances the formate production efficiency of Bi₂O₃. Notably, in comparison to electrodes devoid of a conductive agent, both Faradaic efficiency (FE) and formate production rates exhibit increases of 37.01 % and 232.12 %, respectively. Furthermore, we established that the “point-to-face” conductive network facilitates CO₂ reduction through accelerated electron transfer rates on the electrode surface and enhanced exposure of active sites, thereby reducing the energy barrier for CO₂ reduction. These insights pave the way for advanced structural designs aimed at developing high-performance electrocatalysts for CO₂ reduction reaction.