Asymmetric Acetylene Activation Enables Enhanced Electrochemical Ethylene Formation Kinetics

Copper (Cu)-based catalysts with weak ethylene (C₂H₄) adsorption exhibit a robust ability to suppress the overhydrogenation of electrocatalytic acetylene (C₂H₂) hydrogenation (EAH), providing a green alternative for C₂H₄ production. However, the unsatisfactory C₂H₄ formation kinetics due to the sluggishness of C₂H₂ reactants still limit its practical application potential. Herein, borate-decorated oxide-derived copper nanoparticles (OD Cu-B NPs) are designed to promote C₂H₂ activation and adsorption. As a result, the as-prepared catalysts deliver a partial current density of 720 mA cm^-2 with a turnover frequency of 48.33 s^-1, greatly outperforming the bare OD Cu counterpart. The symmetric electron distribution of C₂H₂ is revealed to be broken over the Cu-borate interface, making it easier to activate and adsorb, which accounts for the lowered hydrogenation barrier and enhanced selectivity, consequently promoting C₂H₄ formation kinetics through the EAH process.