Abstract The electroreduction of CO2 to CH4 is a highly desirable, challenging research topic. In this study, an electrocatalytic system comprising ultrathin MoTe2 layers and an ionic liquid electrolyte for the reduction of CO2 to methane is reported, efficiently affording methane with a faradaic efficiency of 83 ± 3% (similar to the best Cu-based catalysts reported thus far) and a durable activity of greater than 45 h at a relatively high current density of 25.6 mA cm−2 (−1.0 VRHE). The results obtained can facilitate research on the design of other transition-metal dichalcogenide electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to valuable fuels. An ultrathin MoTe2 electrode/ionic liquid electrolyte system is put forward to achieve efficient and robust CO2 reduction through offering a high faradaic efficiency (similar to the best Cu-based catalyst reported thus far) and superior structural stability (up to 45 h).
Published in: "Small".