The selective electrochemical reduction of CO2 yields value-added products that are important renewable energy resources for carbon recycling. In this study, Cu3PdN nanocrystals (NCs) exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity for carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction to formic acid (HCOOH) than as-prepared Cu3N and Cu3Pd NCs. In addition, the reaction yielded small amounts of CO (<5%), H-2, and HCOOH as the main products, and the electrocatalytic activity of the Cu NCs was significantly enhanced by modification with N and Pd. This work demonstrates a simple and effective strategy for improving the electrochemical reduction of CO2. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.