Keeping sight of copper in single-atom catalysts for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction

Carbon dioxide can be electrochemically converted into valuable multi-carbon products using Cu-based single-atom catalysts. However, transient cluster formation, which is undetectable using ex-situ techniques, may be responsible for C2+ products. Here we discuss these observations to highlight the need for operando characterisation when defining active sites.

Automated summary

This article discusses the conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable multi-carbon products using Cu-based single-atom catalysts. The formation of transient clusters, which cannot be detected using ex-situ techniques, may be responsible for the production of C2+ products. The authors highlight the importance of operando characterization in defining active sites.