Cathodes for Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Multi-Carbon Products: Part I

Abstract

This is a focused review of recent highlights in the literature in cathode development for low temperature electrochemical carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide reduction to multi-carbon (C2+) products. The major goals for the field are to increase Faradaic efficiency (FE) for specific C2+ products, lower cell voltage for industrially relevant current densities and increase cell lifetime. A key to achieving these goals is the rational design of cathodes through increased understanding of structure-selectivity and structure-activity relationships for catalysts and the influence of catalyst binders and gas diffusion layers (GDLs) on the catalyst microenvironment and subsequent performance.