Abstract: A method of fabricating a working electrode adapted for reduction of carbon dioxide comprises layering a gold film (Au) over a shrinkable polymer to create a layered structure, heating the layered structure to cause shrinking, for instance, at a temperature of about 130° C., and removing the shrinkable polymer layer. The heating creates a contracted, wrinkled Au film surface owing to a difference in thermal coefficient between the Au film and the underlaying polymer prior to removal of the polymer, and the wrinkled film contains c-shaped wrinkles containing confined spaces in which a local elevated pH level is attained.