CoN₄ active sites in a graphene matrix for the highly efficient electrocatalysis of CO₂ reduction

Developing highly selective, economical and stable catalysts for the electrochemical conversion of CO₂ into value-added carbon products to mitigate both CO₂ emission and the energy crisis is challenging. We report an efficient and robust electrocatalyst for the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) by embedding CoN₄ active sites in a graphene matrix. These highly dispersed CoN₄ sites show an extraordinary CO₂RR activity, with a high CO Faradaic efficiency of nearly 95% at −0.76 V (vs. RHE) and remarkable durability. The corresponding overpotential is 0.65 V. Our finding could pave the way for the design at the atomic scale of highly efficient electrocatalysts for the CO₂RR.