Figure 5
(A,B) Schematic representation showing the diffusivity of ethanol molecules and transport of electrons through the hierarchical structures during EOR. (A) Longitudinal and surface diffusivity of ethanol molecules along the C-NT/Co3O4 CPs. (B) Ethanol diffusion at the catalytically active sites {111} and {112/111} measured by DFT modeling. (C) Interlayer diffusion of ethanol molecules between neighboring nanosheets and Co3O4 mesocrystals. We propose the optimal electrooxidation of ethanol in multiple steps, resulting in 12 electrons transferred from the electrolyte phase to the binding sites into the hierarchical structures. The electrode patterns with mesocyclinder-open-pore, dense and active site surfaces, longitudinal hub gloves and distal and non-stacked layers enable rapid electron movements with little resistance and ensure contact between every mesocrystal coverage surfaces and the electrolyte in a multi-directional accessibility.
