Well-Defined Copper-Based Nanocatalysts for Selective Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to C2 Products

The electrochemical CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR)holds the promise to revolutionize the chemical industry by producingvalue-added chemicals and fuels from CO2and water while storingrenewable energy. However, catalyst design still remains one of themajor hurdles in thefield. This Perspective discusses the current andfuture contributions of well-defined nanocatalysts to improving theCO2RR selectivity toward C2products, particularly ethylene andethanol. In this regard, the shape and size selectivity dependence ofsingle metal copper nanocrystals is briefly reviewed and linked tosingle-crystal studies. Representative studies on Cu-based bimetallicnanocrystals are discussed to highlight the importance of compositionand distribution of the metals for selectivity. Finally, a vision on designstrategies in terms of shape and composition for the next generation ofCO2RR nanocatalysts is proposed.

Automated summary

This Perspective discusses the current and future contributions of well-defined nanocatalysts to improving the selectivity of the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction towards C2 products. The shape and size selectivity dependence of single metal copper nanocrystals is reviewed and linked to single-crystal studies. The importance of the composition and distribution of metals for selectivity is highlighted through representative studies on Cu-based bimetallic nanocrystals. Finally, a vision on design strategies for the next generation CO2RR nanocatalysts is proposed.