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

Abstract

Recent progress about electrochemical CO2 reduction toward C2+ products is reviewed. 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.

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Identifiers

DOI

10.1126/sciadv.aay3111

Journal

Science Advances

Year

2020