Advancements in Understanding Catalyst Reconstruction During Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is crucial for addressing global warming and achieving carbon neutrality.
• Developing efficient catalysts for selective, active, and stable CO2RR to produce valuable chemicals is essential.
• Copper-based catalysts are promising for multi-carbon (C2+) chemical production but suffer from structural instability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the phenomenon of catalyst reconstruction in copper-based electrocatalysts during CO2RR.
• To elucidate the fundamental principles governing catalyst reconstruction via dissolution and redeposition.
• To provide insights into understanding and controlling reconstruction for enhanced CO2RR performance.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on copper-based catalyst reconstruction during CO2RR.
• Analysis of the fundamental principles of catalyst dissolution and redeposition.
• Discussion of the influence of the microenvironment on catalyst structural changes.

Main Results:

• Catalyst reconstruction during CO2RR is an inevitable process driven by continuous dissolution and redeposition.
• Structural changes significantly alter the catalyst's active sites, impacting performance.
• The microenvironment plays a critical role in modulating the reconstruction process.

Conclusions:

• Understanding catalyst reconstruction is vital for designing stable and efficient CO2RR electrocatalysts.
• Strategies to control or harness reconstruction can lead to improved activity, selectivity, and long-term stability.
• Further research into tracking and managing reconstruction is needed for practical CO2RR applications.