Strategies in catalysts and electrolyzer design for electrochemical CO₂ reduction toward C₂₊ products.

Abstract

In light of environmental concerns and energy transition, electrochemical CO₂ reduction (ECR) to value-added multicarbon (C₂ ₊) fuels and chemicals, using renewable electricity, presents an elegant long-term solution to close the carbon cycle with added economic benefits as well. However, electrocatalytic C─C coupling in aqueous electrolytes is still an open challenge due to low selectivity, activity, and stability. Design of catalysts and reactors holds the key to addressing those challenges. We summarize recent progress in how to achieve efficient C─C coupling via ECR, with emphasis on strategies in electrocatalysts and electrocatalytic electrode/reactor design, and their corresponding mechanisms. In addition, current bottlenecks and future opportunities for C₂ ₊ product generation is discussed. We aim to provide a detailed review of the state-of-the-art C─C coupling strategies to the community for further development and inspiration in both fundamental understanding and technological applications.