Opportunity of Atomically Thin Two-Dimensional Catalysts for Promoting CO₂ Electroreduction.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Excessive fossil fuel use causes energy shortages and environmental pollution via industrial waste gas (CO2) emissions.
• CO2 electroreduction to high-value chemicals is a key strategy for energy and environmental challenges.
• Traditional electrocatalytic systems face limitations: sluggish carrier transport, high CO2 activation energy barriers, and poor product selectivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize recent advancements in tailoring the electronic structure of atomically thin 2D electrocatalysts for CO2 electroreduction.
• To highlight the structure-property relationships governing catalytic activity and product selectivity.
• To discuss the fundamental mechanisms underlying CO2 electroreduction using these advanced catalysts.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent progress in modifying the electronic structure of 2D electrocatalysts.
• Analysis of structure-property relationships through experimental and theoretical modeling.
• Utilization of *in situ* characterization techniques to elucidate reaction mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Atomically thin 2D electrocatalysts exhibit enhanced electron transport dynamics and increased surface active sites.
• Modulated electronic structures significantly reduce CO2 activation energy barriers and improve product selectivity.
• The 2D configuration facilitates *in situ* characterization and theoretical simulations for mechanistic studies.

Conclusions:

• Tailoring the electronic structure of 2D electrocatalysts is crucial for efficient CO2 electroreduction.
• These materials show great potential for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals, addressing energy and environmental concerns.
• Further research into challenges and opportunities will accelerate the development of advanced CO2 conversion technologies.