Regulation strategies of silver-based catalysts for electrochemical CO₂ reduction

The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to CO (CO₂RR) represents a promising route for energy structure transformation and carbon-neutral fuel production. Owing to their favorable CO₂RR performance, Ag-based catalysts have been extensively investigated as promising candidates for CO₂-to-CO conversion. Nevertheless, achieving high-energy efficiency, large current densities, and long-term operational stability remains challenging. This review summarizes the fundamental reaction mechanisms of the CO₂RR on Ag-based catalysts, with particular emphasis on the formation of *COOH as the rate-determining step and the role of *CO adsorption in governing activity and stability. Recent advances in Ag-based catalysts are comprehensively reviewed from a mechanistic perspective, covering regulation strategies such as morphology engineering, non-metal doping, and metal alloying. Special attention is given to Ag-Ni systems, which exhibit pronounced synergistic effects in modulating CO₂ activation and CO desorption. Finally, design principles and future research directions toward simultaneously enhancing activity and stability of Ag-based CO₂RR catalysts are discussed.