CO₂ Conversion Toward Real‐World Applications: Electrocatalysis versus CO₂ Batteries

Abstract

Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion technologies have become new favorites for addressing environmental and energy issues, especially with direct electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 (ECO2RR) and alkali metal‐CO2 (M–CO2) batteries as representatives. They are poised to create new economic drivers while also paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for humanity. Although still far from practical application, ECO2RR has been intensively investigated over the last few years, with some achievements. In stark contrast, M–CO2 batteries, especially aqueous and hybrid M–CO2 batteries, offer the potential to combine energy storage and ECO2RR into an integrated system, but their research is still in the early stages. This article gives an insightful review, comparison, and analysis of recent advances in ECO2RR and M–CO2 batteries, illustrating their similarities and differences, aiming to advance their development and innovation. Considering the crucial role of well‐designed functional materials in facilitating ECO2RR and M–CO2 batteries, special attention is paid to the development of rational design strategies for functional materials and components, such as electrodes/catalysts, electrolytes, and membranes/separators, at the industrial level and their impact on CO2 conversion. Moreover, future perspectives and research suggestions for ECO2RR and M–CO2 batteries are presented to facilitate practical applications.

Recent advancements in CeO2-enabled liquid acid/base catalysis

“…Currently, the catalytic conversion of CO 2 to hydrocarbon fuels and polymers, which is regarded as an efficient approach to alleviate environmental problems, has attracted considerable attraction. 19,87–89 However, due to the chemically inert nature and thermodynamically stable property of CO 2 , the activation of CO 2 generally requires high temperatures with an energy-intensive process. Consequently, various homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts have been designed to realize CO 2 conversion under mild conditions.…”

Review on CO2 Management: From CO2 Sources, Capture, and Conversion to Future Perspectives of Gas-Phase Electrochemical Conversion and Utilization

“…In this regard, the development of noble metal nanocatalysts as well as functional carbon material-supported metal-based catalysts has been proposed to facilitate Li 2 CO 3 decomposition and consequent improvement in reversibility as well as decreasing the overpotentials of Li/CO 2 cells. 376,380,383,384 On the other hand, some efforts have been focused on the types of electrolytes, where molten electrolytes have been proposed to overcome the aforementioned challenges. 377,378 Accordingly, a power density of 33.4 mW cm −2 during 300 cycles has been obtained using molten electrolytes at 150 °C.…”

“…In the case of Li/O 2 cells, the organic electrolytes provide efficient electrical power, but in Li/CO 2 the formation of stable lithium carbonate (Li 2 CO 3 ) product , or other side reactions of electrolytes during charge/discharge processes leads to low power density and cycling life, which limits the practical applications of Li/CO 2 batteries. In this regard, the development of noble metal nanocatalysts as well as functional carbon material-supported metal-based catalysts has been proposed to facilitate Li 2 CO 3 decomposition and consequent improvement in reversibility as well as decreasing the overpotentials of Li/CO 2 cells. ,,, On the other hand, some efforts have been focused on the types of electrolytes, where molten electrolytes have been proposed to overcome the aforementioned challenges. , Accordingly, a power density of 33.4 mW cm –2 during 300 cycles has been obtained using molten electrolytes at 150 °C . Overall, the resulting power density of the CO 2 -based galvanic cell is able to provide enough electrical energy to accelerate the electrolysis of CO 2 in the CO 2 -based electrolysis cells.…”

Plasma-Catalyzed One-Step Synthesis of Alcohols from CO2 over Cu/γ-Al2O3 Catalyst

“…Carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in the gradual integration of renewable energy into the chemical and energy sectors. − By converting CO 2 into alcohol liquid products and other value-added liquid products, this process not only enables the utilization of abundant greenhouse gases but also contributes to reducing the atmospheric CO 2 concentration. The traditional CO 2 reduction reaction typically requires high-temperature and high-pressure conditions to overcome the thermodynamic barriers associated with the CO 2 molecules.…”