Advanced Copper-Based Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction Toward Circular Carbon Economy

초록

The urgent need for a sustainable carbon recycling economy is driving the development of efficient and durable electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction. Cooper (Cu)-based electrocatalytic CO2 reduction has attracted significant attention, due to its unique activity and selectivity for producing value-added C2+ products. Here, we review different pathways for producing value-added C2+ products and corresponding molecular-level transformation mechanisms from CO2 to C2+ products, providing guidelines for enhancing the stability and product selectivity of Cu-based electrocatalysts. Emerging technologies, including in situ spectroscopic characterizations and data-driven approaches, are investigated for their great potential to enhance catalytic performance and optimize CO2 reduction systems. Owing to the excellent stability and selectivity of Cu-based electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, we highlight its potential as a promising and practical route for simultaneously achieving a circular carbon economy and mitigating climate change. Key challenges for its commercial applications are addressed with potential solutions, indicating future research directions for accelerating the large-scale deployments of Cu-based electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. With concerted efforts, sustainably transforming CO2 into value-added C2+ products using Cu-based electrocatalysts contributes significantly to achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, including 7, 12, and 13).

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