Addressing the Carbonate Issue: Electrocatalysts for Acidic CO₂ Reduction Reaction

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) is vital for CO2 conversion using renewable energy.
• Neutral/alkaline electrolytes form carbonate byproducts, hindering device-level CO2RR.
• Acidic electrolytes offer a solution to the carbonate issue but face challenges from hydrogen evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent developments in acidic CO2RR.
• To elucidate reaction mechanisms and guide catalyst design.
• To summarize progress in device engineering for high-performance acidic CO2RR systems.

Main Methods:

• Mechanistic understanding of acidic CO2RR pathways.
• Analysis of heterogeneous catalysts, immobilized molecular catalysts, and surface-enhanced catalysts.
• Summary of device-level applications and engineering strategies.

Main Results:

• Acidic CO2RR presents a viable alternative to overcome carbonate limitations.
• Advanced catalyst designs (heterogeneous, molecular, surface-enhanced) show promise.
• Progress in device engineering is crucial for practical implementation.

Conclusions:

• Acidic CO2RR is a promising strategy for efficient CO2 utilization.
• Further research is needed to enhance catalyst selectivity, activity, stability, and scalability.
• Continued efforts in catalyst and device design are essential for widespread adoption.