Lattice strain of Cu nanocrystals modulates CO adsorption energy

Kinetic challenges in electrochemical CO reduction reaction (CORR) arise from high activation barriers caused by dipole-dipole repulsion between adsorbed CO species. Lattice-strain engineering of nanocatalysts can modulate catalyst performance by influencing the interaction between catalyst surfaces and reactants. In the August issue of Chem, Ma et al. demonstrate precise control of lattice strain in Cu nanoparticles through internal lattice mismatching and provide a catalytic mechanism by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, clearing another path toward carbon neutrality.