Direct Electroreduction of Low-Concentration CO₂: Progress and Perspective.

Abstract

The conversion of CO₂ into carbon-based fuels and chemicals via the electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) offers an attractive route to reducing the CO₂ emission for carbon neutrality. Currently, high-purity CO₂ gas has been widely used as the feedstock for most of the CO₂RR studies, while CO₂ sources with a typically low concentration impose the extra cost for CO₂ capture and purification steps. The direct utilization of low-concentration CO₂ for the CO₂RR is a promising approach to substantially address this problem. In this Perspective, we first highlight the prominent advantages of direct electroreduction of low-concentration CO₂. Then we focus on the summary of several important design strategies for CO₂RR in diluted CO₂ and gas impurities-containing CO₂ atmosphere. Finally, we propose personal outlooks on future challenges and some opportunities for this fascinating research field.