Pairing d-Band Center of Metal Sites with π-Orbital of Alkynes for Efficient Electrocatalytic Alkyne Semi-Hydrogenation

Electrocatalytic alkyne semi-hydrogenation has attracted ever-growing attention as a promising alternative to traditional thermocatalytic hydrogenation. However, the correlation between the structure of active sites and electrocatalytic performance still remains elusive. Herein, the energy difference (∆ε) between the d-band center of metal sites and π orbital of alkynes as a key descriptor for correlating the intrinsic electrocatalytic activity is reported. With two-dimensional conductive metal organic frameworks as the model electrocatalysts, theoretical and experimental investigations reveal that the decreased ∆ε induces the strengthened d–π orbitals interaction, which thus enhances acetylene π-adsorption and accelerates subsequent hydrogenation kinetics. As a result, Cu₃(HITP)₂ featuring the smallest ∆ε (0.10 eV) delivers the highest turnover frequency of 0.36 s⁻¹, which is about 124 times higher than 2.9 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹ for Co₃(HITP)₂ with the largest ∆ε of 2.71 eV. Meanwhile, Cu₃(HITP)₂ presents a high ethylene partial current density of −124 mA cm⁻² and a large ethylene Faradaic efficiency of 99.3% at −0.9 V versus RHE. This work will spark the rapid exploration of high-activity alkyne semi-hydrogenation catalysts.