Catalyst designing strategies for electrochemical CO₂ reduction: a perspective

Abstract

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (eCO2R) is one of the most promising and effective technologies to reduce CO2 into value-added chemicals and fuels, reducing the dependence on fossil fuels. However, the efficiency and selectivity of eCO2R is dependent on the interactions between the catalyst surface and the intermediates, which is majorly due to the inherent nature of the catalyst and other parameters like mass transport, electrolyte and intermediate coverage on the surface. There exists a parity between the existing experimental and theoretical catalyst design strategies. In this review we intend to discuss the rational design of catalysts based on transition metals to achieve highly efficient eCO2R. The strategies focused on here include the ligand effect, alloying, strain engineering, heterostructure formation, oxide derivation and the use of transition-metal chalcogenides, phosphides, nitrides and carbides. These strategies are effective in modulating the electronic structure, adsorption geometries and the local environment of the catalysts thus enhancing the eCO2R performance. In conclusion, the shortcomings and pivotal requirements in this field have been discussed in this perspective.

A Guideline to Determine Faradaic Efficiency in Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

“…The electrochemical CO 2 reduction reaction (eCO 2 RR) using renewable electricity to produce different value-added chemicals is a promising approach to mitigate CO 2 emission. − Four parameters are primarily used to evaluate the performance of a catalyst: (a) current density, (b) overpotential, (c) faradaic efficiency (FE), and (d) durability. To ensure the reproducibility of all these parameters and a fair comparison with different catalysts, they should be measured accurately and reliably.…”

Toward Unifying the Mechanistic Concepts in Electrochemical CO2 Reduction from an Integrated Material Design and Catalytic Perspective

“…[26] There has been significant enhancement in the highly selective catalyst design with high stability and durability in the recent times which has been discussed in details in the respective sections. [27] Bioinspired molecular catalysts with highly selective metal centers have been an emerging for the high-performance CO 2 RR activity. [28][29][30] Despite that, there are a few technical challenges that still exist.…”

Lattice Charge Tuning-Driven Multi-Carbon Products from Carbon Dioxide

“…Addressing this urgent issue necessitates the development of innovative methodologies, such as the electrochemical conversion of CO 2 using renewable energy sources, to mitigate its harmful impacts. Notwithstanding significant advancements in this domain, a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms governing the synthesis of higher carbon (>C 2 ) products from CO 2 remains elusive, impeding the rational design of effective catalysts. − …”