Microenvironment engineering of Cu-based materials for electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Copper (Cu) is a prominent single-metal catalyst for electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion into hydrocarbons and alcohols.
• Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising pathway for CO2 utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review microenvironment engineering strategies for copper-based catalysts in CO2RR.
• To highlight the impact of microenvironment factors on catalyst performance.

Main Methods:

• Focus on microenvironment regulation around active sites, not just catalyst composition.
• Discuss strategies for Cu-based metals, oxides, single-atom catalysts, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).

Main Results:

• Microenvironment engineering significantly influences CO2RR selectivity and efficiency.
• Specific factors affecting Cu-based catalyst performance in CO2RR are identified.

Conclusions:

• Microenvironment engineering is crucial for optimizing copper catalysts in CO2RR.
• This review provides insights for designing advanced catalysts for CO2 conversion.