Rational Modulation of Interface Microenvironment and Design of the Flow Electrolyzer for CO_x Electroreduction to...

The electrocatalytic reduction of CO_x (including CO₂ and CO) into value-added fuels and chemicals, particularly multi-carbon (C₂₊) alcohols, presents a significant opportunity to close the manmade carbon cycle and support sustainable energy systems. The catalytic performance of electrochemical reduction reactions of CO₂ and CO (CO_xRR) is strongly correlated with the local microenvironments, the flow electrolyzer, and the catalysis approaches with flow electrolyzers, which contribute to the kinetic and thermodynamic landscape of the reaction, ultimately determining the efficiency and selectivity of the CO_xRR toward desired reduction products. However, controllable microenvironment construction, rationally designed flow electrolyzers, and matchable flow electrolyzers derived catalysis approaches chosen for improving CO_xRR-to-alcohol performance still face challenges. Building upon the foundation laid by previous research, this review article will provide an in-depth summary of the regulation of the catalytic reaction interface microenvironment, the design of flow electrolyzers, and the development of derived stepwise catalysis approaches with the flow electrolyzers, which provide a comprehensive and strategic approach to enhancing the CO_xRR process for alcohol production, offering valuable insights and innovative solutions that can significantly impact the field of CO_xRR conversion to alcohol and contribute to the development of more sustainable chemical production methods.