Electrodeposition of Ni on MWNTs as a promising catalyst for CO₂RR

Novel methods for the preparation of metal-supported materials are desired for better catalytic performance and selectivity. In this article, Ni supported on multiwall nanotubes (Ni/MWNTs) is synthesized with electrodeposition method for electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). The sample drying time after electrodeposition is found critical to oxidize Ni for better activity, and higher Ni oxidation state is required for CO₂RR. The loading effect study proves that higher current density is achieved from small Ni clusters than that from large nano particles. This work provides a pioneer approach to synthesize small Ni clusters using electrodeposition method for electrocatalytic CO₂ conversion.