Regulating Organic Modifiers on Metal-Based Catalysts for Enhanced Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) has been proved as a promising pathway for valuable chemical production and sustainable carbon cycling. Various regulatory strategies have been explored to boost CO₂RR performance. Among these, metal-based electrocatalytic CO₂RR systems regulated by organic modifiers have been shown to play a pivotal role in regulating the complex catalytic processes. Herein, we provide an overview of the recent effective research for regulating the organic modifiers on metal-based catalyst to enhance CO₂RR performance. Two main fundamental mechanisms of enhanced CO₂RR with organic modifiers are discussed, including controlling the local microenvironment (local concentration of reactant/intermediate, local pH, interface electric field) at the electrode surface and modulating intrinsic catalytic activity (crystal and electronic structure). Moreover, effective strategies to preserve a stable organic modifier/catalysts interface are also reviewed. Finally, the challenges and prospects faced by organic modifiers regulated metal-based catalysts in CO₂RR are proposed. We hope this review will provide a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the actual impacts of organic modifiers on the development of efficient CO₂RR catalysts with favorable activity, selectivity, and stability.