Recent Advances in Electrochemical CO₂‐to‐Multicarbon Conversion: From Fundamentals to Industrialization

Abstract

The electrochemical CO2 (eCO2)‐to‐multicarbon conversion with higher value is regarded as a potential way to promote the transformation of industrial production and the green balance of carbon cycle. Recently, a series of advances have been achieved in the progress of eCO2‐to‐multicarbon conversion, including the in‐depth exploration of coupling mechanisms, the up‐to‐date development of characterization techniques, and the novel interdisciplinary design strategies of catalysts and electrolytic systems. Therefore, it is essential to systematically overview the eCO2‐to‐multicarbon conversion from fundamentals to industrialization, compensating for the limited and insufficient reviews that have been reported. To fill the aforementioned research gap, this overview is focused on the eCO2‐to‐multicarbon conversion from fundamentals to industrialization. First, the possible catalytic mechanisms for eCO2‐to‐multicarbon conversion are accordingly summarized in the order of eCO2 reduction, small molecule‐coupled eCO2 reduction, and eCO2 tandem conversion. Second, the up‐to‐date in situ characterization technologies assisting the rationalization of coupling mechanisms are presented. Third, the optimizing strategies of catalysts and electrolytic systems are briefly classified for the advance of industrialization process. Finally, challenges and perspectives for the further development of eCO2‐to‐multicarbon conversion are reasonably proposed, aiming to offer insights for the following work in this field.

CO2 Reduction by an Iron(I) Porphyrinate System: Effect of Hydrogen Bonding on the Second Coordination Sphere

“…The cumulative emission of CO 2 is raising environmental concerns for its role in global warming, and consequently CO 2 reduction is an urgent global issue. In the face of these serious environmental problems, the capture of CO 2 has become a hot issue in recent years. − However, apart from CO 2 capture and storage, research has started into the utilization of CO 2 for the synthesis of valuable chemicals and materials. − Because CO 2 is a cheap, abundant, and nontoxic C 1 feedstock, it can be converted into various carbon resources such as alcohols, acids, esters, and hydrocarbons. − This approach has 2-fold advantages, namely, CO 2 reduction in the atmosphere as well as reduction in the use of unrenewable fossil fuels for synthesis of these compounds. Therefore, transforming CO 2 into valuable chemicals may provide a solution to not only environmental problems caused by the emission of CO 2 but also the anticipated depletion of fossil resources.…”