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Updated: Sep 28, 2025

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
Electrochemical CO2 reduction toward multicarbon alcohols - The microscopic world of catalysts & process conditions
Theresa Jaster1,2, Alina Gawel1,2, Daniel Siegmund1
1Department of Energy, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT, Osterfelder Str. 3, D46047 Oberhausen, Germany.
Abstract:
Tackling climate change is one of the undoubtedly most important challenges at the present time. This review deals mainly with the chemical aspects of the current status for converting the greenhouse gas CO2 via electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to multicarbon alcohols as valuable products. Feasible reaction routes are presented, as well as catalyst synthesis methods such as electrodeposition, precipitation, or sputtering. In addition, a comprehensive overview of the currently achievable selectivities for multicarbon alcohols in CO2RR is given. It is also outlined to what extent, for example, modifications of the catalyst surfaces or the use of bifunctional compounds the product distribution is shifted. In addition, the influence of varying electrolyte, temperature, and pressure is described and discussed.
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