Catalyst-electrolyte interface chemistry for electrochemical CO₂ reduction.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis
• Renewable Energy Storage

Background:

• Electrochemical reduction of CO2 offers a route to store renewable energy and produce valuable chemicals.
• Technoeconomic analyses identify feasible products and critical performance parameters like faradaic efficiency (FE) and current density.
• Fundamental factors including reaction pathways, intermediates, hydrogen evolution, and mass transport are crucial for CO2 electroreduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significance of the catalyst-electrolyte interface in improving CO2 electroreduction.
• To review strategies for controlling interfacial properties and their impact on performance.
• To discuss the current understanding of interfacial effects on CO2 electroreduction activity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of kinetic equations to understand interfacial importance.
• Extensive review of studies on organic modulators, electrolyte ions, and electrode structures.
• Examination of the three-phase boundary at the catalyst-electrolyte interface.

Main Results:

• The catalyst-electrolyte interface significantly influences electronic properties, intermediate stabilization, and proton delivery.
• Interfacial control can regulate catalyst structure, reactant concentration, and mass transport.
• Strategies involving organic modulators, electrolyte ions, and electrode design enhance electrocatalytic activity.

Conclusions:

• The catalyst-electrolyte interface is a critical factor for optimizing CO2 electroreduction.
• Tailoring the interface provides effective solutions to challenges in CO2 electroreduction.
• Further understanding and control of the interface are essential for advancing CO2 electroreduction technologies.