Dual-Interfacial Electrocatalyst Enriching Surface Bonded H for Energy-Efficient CO₂-to-CH₃OH Conversion

Energy cost is a long-neglected but crucial issue for electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reactions (CO₂RRs). So far, achieving efficient CO₂RR at a low energy cost is a major unresolved challenge. Herein, energy-efficient CO₂-to-CH₃OH conversion by synergistically increasing the amount of favorable intermediates and depressing H₂ generation is reported. The designed precursor electrocatalyst undergoes in situ reduction, forming Cu−C₆₀ and ZnO−Cu dual interfaces. Cu−C₆₀ induces an *H-rich surface, decreasing the hydrogenation barrier and lowering the required voltage. *H-modified ZnO-Cu alters the mechanism of electron transfer and improves the conversion selectivity. As a result, at an applied potential as low as −0.63 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode, a cathodic energy efficiency of 50.5% and a faradaic efficiency of 78.3% for CH₃OH is obtained. This work unlocks an unconventional route for improving the catalytic performance and energy efficiency of electrocatalysts, addressing the concern of energy costs for electrocatalyzed CO₂RR.