CuZn Alloy-Supported Co3O4: An Effective CO2 Electroreduction Catalyst for Selective CO and Alcohol Formation

Abstract

Transition metal oxide-supported alloys offer a compelling route to overcome the efficiency stability trade-off in the electrochemical reduction of CO2. Here, we design a series of CuZn alloy nanoparticles (1–10%) supported on cobalt oxide (Co3O4) to unravel composition-dependent catalytic behavior. Comprehensive characterization by XRD, FESEM–EDX, HRTEM, GC-MS, XPS, CO2-TPD, and Raman spectroscopy confirms the formation of well-dispersed CuZn domains with strong metal–support interactions and tunable surface basicity. Electrochemical studies in a three-electrode configuration reveal markedly enhanced current densities and redox features under CO2 compared to Ar, highlighting accelerated charge transfer across the CuZn/Co3O4 interface. Product analysis by gas chromatography identifies carbon monoxide (CO) and isopropanol as the primary reduction products, achieving high Faradaic efficiencies at low overvoltage in the case of 2.5% CuZn/Co3O4. The optimized CuZn/Co3O4 architecture not only stabilizes active sites but also promotes synergistic electron redistribution, steering selective C–C coupling pathways. These findings establish oxide-supported CuZn alloys as a robust and versatile platform for efficient and selective CO2 electroreduction. © 2026 American Chemical Society