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Customizing catalyst surface/interface structures for electrochemical CO2 reduction
Xin Tan1, Haojie Zhu1, Chang He1
1Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China cchen@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn.
Chemical Science
|March 22, 2024
Summary
Customizing electrocatalyst surfaces enhances the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals. This review explores surface/interface engineering strategies to boost CO2RR performance.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a key technology for CO2 conversion and greenhouse gas mitigation.
- High-performance electrocatalysts with superior activity and selectivity are crucial for industrial CO2RR applications.
- Tailoring catalyst surface and interface structures offers precise control over the reaction microenvironment and intermediate adsorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in customizing surface/interface structures of electrocatalysts for CO2RR.
- To analyze the impact of surface/interface engineering on CO2RR activity, selectivity, and stability.
- To provide insights into challenges and future directions for efficient CO2RR via surface/interface engineering.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on surface/interface engineering strategies for CO2RR electrocatalysts.
- Analysis of different catalyst types including atomic-site, metal, and metal/oxide catalysts.
- Exploration of engineering approaches such as coordination engineering, atomic interface design, surface modification, and hetero-interface construction.
Main Results:
- Customizing catalyst surface/interface structures significantly influences the CO2RR microenvironment and intermediate behavior.
- Specific engineering strategies lead to measurable improvements in electrocatalyst activity, selectivity, and stability.
- The review categorizes and discusses the effects of various surface/interface modifications on CO2RR performance.
Conclusions:
- Surface/interface engineering is a powerful strategy for developing high-performance CO2RR electrocatalysts.
- Further research is needed to overcome current challenges and achieve highly efficient CO2RR.
- Outlook provided on future directions for optimizing CO2RR through advanced surface/interface design.
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