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Ionomers modulate the microenvironment in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
Sunhong Ruan1, Gangjun Tang1, Zhiming Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, National Engineering Laboratory for Green Chemical Productions of Alcohols, Ethers and Esters, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 China zhangqh@xmu.edu.cn wangye@xmu.edu.cn shunji_xie@xmu.edu.cn.
Ionomers precisely control the microenvironment in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR), enhancing performance. This review details how ionomers improve CO2RR efficiency and stability, addressing environmental and energy challenges.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- The global shift to a low-carbon society drives electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) development.
- CO2RR technology offers solutions for environmental pollution and energy crises.
- Microenvironment modulation is key to enhancing CO2RR performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of ionomers in modulating the CO2RR microenvironment.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which ionomers improve CO2RR.
- To identify challenges and future directions for ionomer application in CO2RR.
Main Methods:
- Overview of CO2RR microenvironment components and influencing factors.
- Analysis of ionomer structures and functional mechanisms.
- Systematic discussion of ionomer-induced microenvironment modulation effects.
Main Results:
- Ionomers precisely control the catalyst surface microenvironment.
- Modulation impacts CO2 mass transport, intermediate stabilization, and surface properties.
- Specific effects include altered pH, ion distribution, hydrophobicity, and interfacial water structure.
Conclusions:
- Ionomers significantly improve CO2RR activity, selectivity, stability, and energy efficiency.
- Current challenges in ionomer application are identified.
- Future research directions focus on overcoming these challenges for practical CO2RR implementation.
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