Electrochemical deposition of copper-indium particles with high electroactive surface area from acetonitrile-water solution

Bekey A. Vacandio F. Shakiyeva T. Dossumov K. Avchukir K.
May 2026 Elsevier B.V.

Results in Surfaces and Interfaces
2026 #23

The development of cost-effective electrocatalysts with a high electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) is essential for the efficient electrochemical reduction of CO₂ (eCO₂RR) into multicarbon products. Bimetallic catalysts present a promising approach due to their adjustable structure and synergistic effects, yet they remain insufficiently explored. In this study, we report the controlled electrodeposition of bimetallic Cu-In particles on a glassy carbon substrate from a 70:30 (v/v) acetonitrile-water solution containing 0.01 M CuCl₂ and 0.01 M InCl₃ at various temperatures. Analysis of the potentiostatic current transients using the Scharifker-Hills model revealed a temperature- and potential-dependent nucleation mechanism, involving a hybrid 2D instantaneous and 3D progressive growth. A transition from instantaneous to progressive nucleation was observed with an increase in deposition potential at 25 °C and 45 °C, while at 65 °C, the nucleation process was predominantly progressive. X-ray diffraction analysis identified the presence of Cu, In, Cu₂O, In₂O₃, and CuIn alloy phases. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated the formation of temperature-controlled morphologies such as broccoli, wires, and dendrites. Pb underpotential deposition (Pb-UPD) and cyclic voltammetry demonstrated that the Cu-In broccoli morphology exhibited the highest ECSA and eCO₂RR activity, with a current density of 41 mA cm⁻² and a reduced Tafel slope of 168 mV dec⁻¹. This study enhances our understanding of the influence of deposition parameters on structure-property relationships in bimetallic electrocatalysts for CO₂ conversion.

Acetonitrile-water solution , CO₂ electroreduction , Cu-In catalysts , Electrochemical active surface area , Electrodeposition and growth , Lead under potential deposition

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Scientific Research Institute for New Chemical Technologies and Materials, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 96a Tole Bi Str., Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, MADIREL UMR 7246, Cedex 20, Marseille, 13397, France
Laboratory of Electrochemical Interfaces and Catalysis, Scientific Research Institute for New Chemical Technologies and Materials, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 96a Tole Bi Str., Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan

Scientific Research Institute for New Chemical Technologies and Materials
Aix-Marseille University
Laboratory of Electrochemical Interfaces and Catalysis

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