Fig. 1: IL-TEM characterization of Cu nanocubes under CO2RR at −1.1 VRHE.
From: Alkali cation-induced cathodic corrosion in Cu electrocatalysts
a Representative TEM bright field images of Cu nanocubes about 40 nm in size. The inset shows a selected area electron diffraction pattern, confirming the metallic Cu crystal structure. b Schematic demonstration of the Identical location TEM (IL-TEM) to study Cu catalysts at cathodic conditions, using a standard RDE electrode with a custom-made PTFE cap and Au TEM grid with Formvar, coated with carbon on both sides. (see “Methods” section). c–f Identical location TEM bright field images before and after treating the catalysts at −1.1 VRHE (iR-corrected) using in a CO2-saturated 0.1 M KHCO3 electrolyte (Table S1, entry 2) for 20 min. The morphology changes before (red) and after (blue) CO2RR are highlighted using outlines, which are significantly beyond the thickness of the surface oxide layer. The current recorded during the IL-TEM experiment can be found in Fig. S7.
