Recent advances in innovative strategies for the CO2 electroreduction reaction

Abstract

The carbon dioxide electroreduction reaction (CO₂RR), an emerging electrocatalysis reaction, is promising for converting CO₂ into value-added fuels or chemicals (e.g., hydrocarbons and oxygenates). However, the CO₂RR system for practical evaluations and applications is still limited by its low current density and poor CO₂ utilization and conversion as well as dismal energy efficiency. To reach up to the practical application level, the components of the CO₂RR device/system need to be systematically considered and optimized. This review specifically focuses on the latest and innovative design strategies toward each part of the system. In particular, the innovative and idiographic design strategies for tandem catalysts, promising electrolytes, upgraded electrodes, and advanced devices as well as anodic reactions are discussed at length. Moreover, some individual perspectives on opportunities and future challenges for each component of the CO₂RR system are also provided. Perspectives and new trends presented in this review are not just labels and classifications. Instead, it is particularly expected that innovative ideas and visionary discussions in this review can systematically instruct and inspire researchers to contribute more efforts toward comprehensively optimizing the performance of the CO₂RR system to a higher level.