Next-generation CO₂ electroreduction: the role of atomically precise nanoclusters and emerging catalytic strategies

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a promising approach to simultaneously mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and produce value-added carbon-based fuels and chemicals. However, sluggish reaction kinetics necessitate the development of efficient catalysts to enhance activity and selectivity. Metal nanoclusters (NCs) have emerged as highly promising candidates due to their atomically precise structures, unique electronic properties, and tunable catalytic behaviors. Despite continuous advancements in the synthesis and application of metal NCs, several challenges remain that hinder their practical deployment. Stability, scalability, and the fine control of selectivity remain critical concerns. This review systematically explores the stepwise evolution of metal NCs as catalysts for CO₂ electroreduction, highlighting their key advantages while also identifying the fundamental limitations that need to be addressed. To overcome such challenges a key development is observed that leads to shift from noble-metal NCs to first-row transition-metal-based NCs, which has expanded catalytic reactivity and product selectivity. Additionally, the role of alloying in enhancing catalytic performance through synergistic interactions and electronic modifications is discussed. So, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent progress, with a focus on emerging NC-based electrocatalysts, and outlines future directions to address existing challenges for sustainable CO₂ conversion.