Heterostructured Catalysts for Electrocatalytic and Photocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction

Heterostructured catalysts are hybrid materials that contain interfaces between their constituents formed through combinations of multiple solid-state materials. The presence of multiple constituents institutes a synergistic effect that endows the catalyst with superior performance and appreciable potential in a diverse range of catalytic applications, including electrocatalytic and photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. These promising catalysts can support a feasible method for large-scale processing of valuable carbonaceous feedstock or fuel generation and alleviation of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Such technologies will serve as the much-needed remedy for the global energy and environmental crisis. A broad spectrum of recently developed heterostructured catalysts pertaining to electrocatalytic and photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction is evaluated. The insights included are of relevance to refresh fundamentals pertaining to the electron transfer processes leading to carbon dioxide reduction and the mechanistic reduction pathways yielding a possible multitude of carbonaceous products. Detailed discussions provide a rational understanding of how the hybrid and resultant properties from various combinations are useful in enhancing catalytic function. Lastly, the performance profiles of various catalyst structures together with modification strategies employed are of interest to highlight the current challenges to and directions for future catalyst development.