Correlation between the work function of Au–Ag nanoalloys and their electrocatalytic activity in carbon dioxide reduction

The electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) on Au–Ag bimetallic alloy nanoparticles was scrutinized. This system provides a good model to investigate the correlation between the electrocatalytic activity and the composition of the nanoparticles. The CO Faradaic efficiency (and thus the forming CO:H2 ratio) was changed linearly by controlling the Au:Ag ratio in the alloy. This trend was attributed to the changes in the electronic...