Colloidal Synthesis of Cu3N Nanorods and Construction of Cu3N-Cu2O Heteronanostructures via Epitaxial Growth.

ABSTRACT

The synthesis of transition metal nitrides nanocrystals (TMNs NCs) has posed a significant challenge due to the limited reactivity of nitrogen sources at lower temperatures and the scarcity of available synthesis methods. In this study, we present a novel colloidal synthesis strategy for the fabrication of Cu3N nanorods (NRs). It is found that the trace oxygen (O2) plays an important role in the synthesis process. And a new mechanism for the formation of Cu3N is proposed. Subsequently, by employing secondary lateral epitaxial growth, the Cu3N-Cu2O heteronanostructures (HNs) can be prepared. The Cu3N NRs and Cu3N-Cu2O HNs were evaluated as precursor electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). The Cu3N-Cu2O HNs demonstrate remarkable selectivity and stability with ethylene (C2H4) Faradaic efficiency (FE) up to 55.3%, surpassing that of Cu3N NRs. This study provides innovative insights into the reaction mechanism of colloidal synthesis of TMNs NCs and presents alternative options for designing cost-effective electrocatalysts to achieve carbon neutrality.