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Updated: Jul 31, 2025

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
Understanding the complexity in bridging thermal and electrocatalytic methanation of CO2
Hui Kang1,2, Jun Ma1,2, Siglinda Perathoner3
1Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China. yuefeng.liu@dicp.ac.cn.
Abstract:
The selective methanation of CO2 is an important research area to meet the net-zero emission targets. Furthermore, it is crucial to develop solutions to achieve carbon neutrality, hydrogen utilization, carbon circularity, and chemical-energy storage. This conversion can be realized via the thermocatalytic multistep power-to-X route or by direct electro- (or photoelectro)-catalytic technologies. Herein, we discuss the need to accelerate direct technologies. Improving these technologies requires a better understanding of the catalytic chemistry and the complexity of the aspects to consider in bridging catalytic and electrocatalytic CO2 methanation. In this tutorial review, initially we analyze the fundamental question of the competitive adsorption of key reactants and regulation strategies to promote the overall reaction. Then, this approach is used to guide the reader in understanding the differences between thermocatalysis and electrocatalysis. Finally, the complexity of the aspects necessary to include in modelling and designing next-generation electrocatalysts for CO2 methanation is analyzed.
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