Bang, Hyeon-Seok Ha, Min Gwan Lim, Chulwan Zhang, Xiaojie Kim, Yeongjin Won, Jong Ho Lee, Woong Hee Choi, Jae-Young Oh, Hyung-Suk 2025-11-21T00:44:57Z 2025-11-21T00:44:57Z 2025-11-11 2025-10 1385-8947 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/153567 Cu-based catalysts are known to undergo phase transformation into Cu(OH)2 during the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), leading to Cu dissolution and limiting long-term operational stability. To address this challenge, a double-layered Ag–CuO electrode was engineered, wherein the Ag buffer layer facilitates local CO generation and enables the redeposition of dissolved Cu, forming dendritic Cu structures that promote Csingle bondC coupling. The optimized electrode with an Ag:CuO ratio of 7:3 exhibited a maximum Faradaic efficiency for ethylene of ∼50 % and a partial current density of 295 mA cm−2. However, the growth of dendritic Cu induced local electric field intensification, resulting in mechanical degradation of the anion exchange membrane (AEM). To overcome this issue, a porous membrane was introduced, effectively suppressing membrane failure and extending operational stability beyond 30 h at 200 mA cm−2, while maintaining an ethylene Faradaic efficiency above 46 %. This work demonstrates a practical strategy for simultaneously enhancing catalytic performance and membrane durability in zero-gap CO2 electrolyzer systems, offering a viable pathway toward scalable CO2 conversion technologies. English Elsevier BV Stabilizing local electric fields via porous membranes in Agsingle bondCu bilayer electrodes for CO2-to-ethylene conversion Article 10.1016/j.cej.2025.167067 1 Chemical Engineering Journal, v.522 Chemical Engineering Journal 522 N scie scopus 001576849300015 2-s2.0-105013627025 Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering Article CO2 ELECTROREDUCTION Electrocatalysts Cu dendrite Ag buffer layer Ethylene Electrochemical CO2 reduction Electrocatalysts Cu dendrite Ag buffer layer Ethylene Electrocatalysts Electrocatalysts Electrochemical CO2 reduction Cu dendrite Cu dendrite Ag buffer layer Ag buffer layer Ethylene Ethylene Electrochemical CO2 reduction Electrochemical CO2 reduction