Recent Progress in Electrocatalytic Conversion of CO₂ to Valuable C₂ Products

Abstract

Abstract Converting CO 2 into high value‐added chemicals by renewable energy directly alleviates the problem of resource shortages, while also reduces the amount of CO 2 in the atmosphere. Among various CO 2 reduction methods, CO 2 electroreduction has attracted much attention because of its moderate operating conditions and a green and easy‐to‐scale strategy. In this work, the four catalyst enhancement mechanisms: synergistic effect, strain effect, ligand effect, and defect effect are briefly described. Then, the catalytic mechanisms of the C 2 products are fully expounded, depending on the number of transferred electrons during the CO 2 reduction process. In addition, the membrane electrode is also introduced from the three aspects of ion exchange membrane, catalyst layer, and gas diffusion layer. Finally, the developing direction of CO 2 reduction reaction is proposed. This work provides an essential guide for design and preparation of CO 2 electroreduction catalysts and fully summarized the intrinsic catalysis mechanism, which is beneficial to the development of CO 2 conversion in the future.