Bimetallic electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction

Abstract

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide, using the electricity generated from renewable energy sources, has the potential of rendering a carbon-neutral energy economy. Developing selective, efficient and robust electrocatalysts is the key step towards establishing this promising technology. While different nanostruc-tures of Cu have been extensively studied for the formation of C1–C3 alcohols and hydrocarbons, Cu-based bimetallic catalysts showed better activity compared to monometallic Cu. In this review, we will first summarize recent advances in designing Cu-X bimetallic catalysts. We categorized the bimetallic catalysts into different groups based on the CO2 reduction activities of the ‘X’ metal, including hydrogen-producing metals, formate-producing metals and CO-producing metals. The key factors in determining the selectivity are discussed. Additionally, representative examples of Cu-free bimetallic catalysts, with appreciable selectivity towards hydrocarbons/alcohols, will also be presented. We will conclude this review with challenges and promising research directions.