Optimization Strategies for Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Fuels

Abstract

Capturing CO2 from the atmosphere and converting it into fuels are an efficient strategy to stop the deteriorating greenhouse effect and alleviate the energy crisis. Among various CO2 conversion approaches, electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) has received extensive attention because of its mild operating conditions. However, the high onset potential, low selectivity toward multi-carbon products and poor cruising ability of CO2RR impede its development. To regulate product distribution, previous studies performed electrocatalyst modification using several universal methods, including composition manipulation, morphology control, surface modification, and defect engineering. Recent studies have revealed that the cathode and electrolytes influence the selectivity of CO2RR via pH changes and ionic effects, or by directly participating in the reduction pathway as cocatalysts. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art optimization strategies to efficiently enhance CO2RR selectivity from two main aspects, namely the cathode electrocatalyst and the electrolyte.

Electroreduction of carbon dioxide to formate using highly efficient bimetallic Sn–Pd aerogels

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Formate, in particular, is valued as an ideal candidate for hydrogen storage and fuel cell processes. 9,10 However, due to the complexity of its multi-electron reaction pathway and competition with hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs), the reaction is sluggish and hindered by a large activation overpotential. 11 There has been considerable progress on improving electrocatalytic activity for CO 2 reduction by introducing binding site diversity.…”

Manganese-Based Catalysts for Indoor Volatile Organic Compounds Degradation with Low Energy Consumption and High Efficiency

“…Mn-based catalysts have been widely studied in thermocatalytic degradation of VOCs; however, the catalytic activities still need to be improved [42,61]. In view of the existing problems, researchers have improved the activity and stability of Mn-based catalyst by means of structural design and decorating modification [36,38,39,42,[61][62][63][64].…”

Recent advances in electrocatalytic nitrite reduction

“…23 In this respect, the product selectivity has emerged as one of the principal challenges for the electrochemical systems due to the complexity of the reaction. 24,25 Thus, much effort has been made to develop effective reaction systems with high efficiency and specificity for nitrite reduction. The main objective of this review is to summarize the latest progress in the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite.…”