Recent Progress in Electrocatalytic Conversion of CO2 to Valuable C2 Products

Abstract

Converting CO2 into high value-added chemicals by renewable energy directly alleviates the problem of resource shortages, while also reduces the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. Among various CO2 reduction methods, CO2 electroreduction has attracted much attention because of its moderate operating conditions and a green and easy-to-scale strategy. In this work, the four catalyst enhancement mechanisms: synergistic effect, strain effect, ligand effect, and defect effect are briefly described. Then, the catalytic mechanisms of the C2 products are fully expounded, depending on the number of transferred electrons during the CO2 reduction process. In addition, the membrane electrode is also introduced from the three aspects of ion exchange membrane, catalyst layer, and gas diffusion layer. Finally, the developing direction of CO2 reduction reaction is proposed. This work provides an essential guide for design and preparation of CO2 electroreduction catalysts and fully summarized the intrinsic catalysis mechanism, which is beneficial to the development of CO2 conversion in the future.