Atomically precise metal nanoclusters as catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

Abstract

Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction can be used to convert CO2 into various compounds at room temperature and ambient pressure using electricity generated from renewable energy sources. This technology is indispensable in establishing an environmentally responsible and sustainable society. However, further improvements in the activity and selectivity require the development of electrocatalysts that can directly serve as the actual reaction sites. In recent years, metal nanoclusters, which are metal particles with a size of approximately 1 nm, have been reported to be capable of electrochemical CO2 reduction with high activity and selectivity, owing to their unique geometric/electronic structure. This review summarizes the synthesis methods of atomically precise metal nanoclusters and their application in electrochemical CO2 reduction. We expect that this review will help clarify the current status of these studies and further accelerate the research on highly active and selective CO2 reduction catalysts using metal nanoclusters.