Selective Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction to Methanol: A Roadmap toward Practical Implementation.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol (MeOH) addresses carbon recycling and energy storage needs.
• Commercial viability of MeOH production via electroreduction is achievable with optimized current density, Faradaic efficiency (FE), and stability.
• MeOH's properties, including high energy density and low storage costs, highlight its economic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current mechanistic insights into the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to MeOH.
• To examine how catalyst surfaces and reaction conditions influence pathway divergence.
• To provide a framework for rational catalyst development for selective CO2-to-MeOH conversion.

Main Methods:

• Critical examination of mechanistic insights into the six-electron-proton transfer (ET-PT) process.
• Analysis of key intermediates like CO and OCH3.
• Review of recent advances in catalyst development and operational parameters (mass transport, electrolyte, potentials).

Main Results:

• Understanding intermediate stabilization is crucial for enhancing MeOH selectivity and activity.
• Catalyst surfaces and reaction conditions significantly impact pathway selectivity.
• Operational parameters like mass transport, electrolyte composition, and applied potentials are vital for CO2 reduction.

Conclusions:

• Rational catalyst design principles are emerging for next-generation electrocatalysts.
• Selective CO2-to-MeOH conversion at scale is advancing towards economic viability and sustainability.
• Optimized electrocatalysts can lead to cost-effective and environmentally friendly MeOH production.