Engineering strategies in the rational design of Cu-based catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction: from doping of elements to defect creation

Abstract

Copper (Cu)-based catalyst design for electrochemical CO₂ reduction (e-CO₂R) has attracted much interest. This is because it could help climate change by converting CO₂ into useful chemical products. This study considers a range of techniques used to optimize Cu-based catalysts, from element doping to defect engineering. Each technique has its advantages as well as its own unique problems. Doping Cu with noble metals such as silver (Ag) can result in very high catalytic activity and selectivity, but it also has disadvantages in terms of cost and long-term stability. In contrast, defect engineering which uses Cu as a material is both economically viable and sustainable. Maintaining stability and reliability is a demanding task that requires precise control. In addition, the single-atom approach has been a breakthrough method. It can efficiently and cheaply accommodate multiple carbon materials from CO₂, and other than this it is quite stable and steady. It is possible for us to gain control over the active sites at an atomic level, even if we have inefficiency and selectivity problems that remain to be resolved. Due to this method, the chemical toolbox for Cu-based catalyst design has been expanded with many other tricks in addition. As they are flexible and can be tailored to specific applications or requirements, new types of Cu-based catalysts will be able to help in e-CO₂R. When technologies mature, their sustainable deployment and global impact will depend on rigorous environmental impact assessments. It is important to emphasize the importance of Cu-based catalysts in the fight against climate change. In this crucial undertaking the paper also highlights the need for further research, innovations, and collaboration between nations.