Electrocatalytic Reactions for Converting CO₂ to Value-Added Products

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) is a promising technology for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals, driven by reduced clean electricity costs.
• While direct CO2RR with H2O shows improved efficiency and stability, coupled CO2RR with small molecules and organic substrates is hindered by poor selectivity and unclear mechanisms.
• Electrocatalyst performance remains suboptimal for coupled CO2RR, limiting the formation of higher-value chemical products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development of electrocatalysts and reaction mechanisms for CO2RR.
• To discuss representative examples, research processes, and mechanisms of coupled CO2RR.
• To identify challenges and future perspectives for optimizing coupled CO2RR.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
• Analysis of electrocatalyst development and reaction mechanisms.
• Discussion of coupled CO2RR processes and their challenges.

Main Results:

• Electrochemical CO2RR with H2O has seen significant improvements in efficiency, selectivity, and stability.
• Coupled CO2RR faces hurdles including poor selectivity, poorly understood reaction mechanisms, and suboptimal electrocatalyst performance.
• Representative examples and methodologies for coupled CO2RR are presented.

Conclusions:

• Further research is needed to understand the fundamental reaction mechanisms of coupled CO2RR.
• Optimization of electrocatalysts, electrolytes, and electrolyzers is crucial for enhancing activity and selectivity in coupled CO2RR.
• Addressing current challenges will inspire advancements in CO2 conversion and fixation technologies.