Bismuth is a catalyst material that selectively produces formate during the electrochemical reduction of CO2. While different synthesis strategies have been employed to create electrocatalysts with better performance, the restructuring of bismuth precatalysts during the reaction has also been previously reported. The mechanism behind the change has, however, remained unclear. Here, we show that Bi2O3 nanoparticles supported on Vulcan carbon intrinsically transform into stellated nanosheet aggregates upon exposure to an electrolyte. Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy observations first revealed the gradual restructuring of the nanoparticles into nanosheets in the presence of 0.1 M KHCO3 without an applied potential. Our experiments also associated the restructuring with solubility of bismuth in the electrolyte. While the consequent agglomerates were stable under moderate negative potentials (-0.3 VRHE), they dissolved over time at larger negative potentials (-0.4 and -0.5 VRHE). Operando Raman spectra collected during the reaction showed that under an applied potential, the oxide particles reduced to metallic bismuth, thereby confirming the metal as the working phase for producing formate. These results inform us about the working morphology of these electrocatalysts and their formation and degradation mechanisms.
Keywords: bismuth oxide nanoparticles; carbon dioxide electroreduction; catalyst restructuring; in situ studies; liquid cell transmission electron microscopy; operando Raman spectroscopy.