Efficient strategies for promoting the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to C2+products over Cu-based catalysts

Cu-based catalysts have been widely studied for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to yield high-value-added products with two or more carbons (C2+ products). The rational design of Cu-based catalysts is critical to improve the selectivity and energy efficiency of the CO2RR-to-C2+ process. Herein, we review recent advances in Cu-based catalysts with surface modi-fication for four crucial factors in CO2RR-to-C2+ based on briefly analyzing the reaction mechanisms: (1) surface hydrophobization to inhibit the hydrogen evolution reaction; (2) introduction of CO2-capture materials, halide-ion doping, and Cus+/Cu0 synergy to promote CO2 adsorption and activation; (3) bifunctional catalysts and locally enhanced electric-thermal fields for modulating CO generation and adsorption; and (4) development of confinement structures and heterostructures, addition of oxidation states or defects, and use of single-atoms with different coordination envi-ronments to promote carbon-carbon coupling. In particular, the relationships between the surface properties of Cu-based catalysts and improved activity and C2+ selectivity in CO2RR are discussed, along with strategies for enhancing the stability of the catalyst. Furthermore, the current challenges and potential strategies for future CO2RR-to-C2+ research are discussed in this review.& COPY; 2023, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This review focuses on Cu-based catalysts for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to produce high-value-added C2+ products. The rational design of Cu-based catalysts is crucial to enhance the selectivity and energy efficiency of the CO2RR-to-C2+ process. Recent advances in surface-modified Cu-based catalysts are discussed, including surface hydrophobization, CO2-capture materials, halide-ion doping, and confinement structures. The relationships between surface properties and improved activity and selectivity, as well as strategies for enhancing catalyst stability, are also discussed. The challenges and potential strategies for future CO2RR-to-C2+ research are highlighted.