Heterostructure Engineering in Metal Sulfides for Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction: Advancing Performance and Stability

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Heterostructure engineering in metal sulfides is a key strategy to improve electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) performance.
• Strategies like surface functionalization, interface engineering, doping, and vacancy formation enhance catalytic activity and durability of metal sulfide-based heterostructures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent findings on metal sulfide-based heterostructures for CO2RR.
• To provide insights into the properties, performance, and electron transfer mechanisms of these heterostructured catalysts.
• To discuss future research directions for sustainable CO2 conversion.

Main Methods:

• Outline key mechanistic descriptors of CO2RR.
• Examine electrocatalytic performances of various metal sulfide-based heterostructures (Cu sulfides, non-Cu TMSs, post-TMSs).
• Consolidate recent research findings on heterostructure applications in CO2RR.

Main Results:

• Metal sulfide heterostructures demonstrate enhanced catalytic performance and durability for CO2RR.
• Different types of metal sulfide heterostructures exhibit varying electrocatalytic efficiencies.
• Understanding mechanistic descriptors is crucial for optimizing CO2RR pathways.

Conclusions:

• Metal sulfide-based heterostructures are highly promising for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction.
• Further research into heterostructure design and mechanistic understanding will drive sustainable CO2 conversion.
• Tailoring heterostructures offers a pathway to advanced catalysts for CO2 utilization.