Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 Catalyzed by Metal Nanocatalysts

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) catalyzed by metal nanostructures has been studied extensively in recent years. This research has led to a better understanding of the reaction as it occurs on nanomaterial surfaces to achieve efficient conversion of CO2 to specific carbon products. This review focuses on metallic nanocatalysts designed and prepared to catalyze the electrochemical CO2RR. It also summarizes new strategies developed to further enhance catalysis at the atomic scale that lead to more efficient conversion of CO2. Active and selective conversion of CO2 to hydrocarbons is an important step toward a society based on renewable energy.