Regulating C-C coupling in thermocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO conversion based on surface science.

Area of Science:

• Catalysis
• Surface Science
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Heterogeneous thermocatalytic and electrocatalytic conversion of CO and CO2 are vital for a carbon-neutral cycle.
• Achieving value-added C2+ products requires precise control over carbon-carbon coupling.
• These conversions are critical given the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline recent advances in catalyst design for controlling C-C coupling.
• To connect thermocatalysis and electrocatalysis through surface science principles.
• To provide fundamental insights into syngas conversion, CO2 hydrogenation, and CO2 electroreduction.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advances in catalyst design.
• Analysis from a surface science perspective.
• Connecting catalytic site design in thermocatalysis and electrocatalysis.

Main Results:

• Catalyst design for C-C coupling shares fundamental principles across syngas conversion, CO2 hydrogenation, and CO2 electroreduction.
• Surface science provides insights into optimizing catalytic sites for enhanced C-C coupling.
• Identified commonalities in catalyst design for both thermocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO conversion.

Conclusions:

• Precise regulation of C-C coupling is key to producing value-added products from CO and CO2.
• Further research into catalyst design can lead to more efficient thermocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO conversion.
• Opportunities exist for novel catalyst development inspired by surface science fundamentals.