Open AccessElectrochemical CO 2 Reduction on Cu: Synthesis‐Controlled Structure Preference and Selectivity
Author(s) -
Quan Weiwei,
Lin Yingbin,
Luo Yongjin,
Huang Yiyin
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202101597
Subject(s) - selectivity , electrochemistry , catalysis , materials science , alloy , crystal structure , heterojunction , nanotechnology , adsorption , chemical engineering , combinatorial chemistry , chemistry , crystallography , metallurgy , electrode , organic chemistry , optoelectronics , engineering
The electrochemical CO 2 reduction reaction (ECO 2 RR) on Cu catalysts affords high‐value‐added products and is therefore of great practical significance. The outcome and kinetics of ECO 2 RR remain insufficient, requiring essentially the optimized structure design for the employed Cu catalyst, and also the fine synthesis controls. Herein, synthesis‐controlled structure preferences and the modulation of intermediate's interactions are considered to provide synthesis‐related insights on the design of Cu catalysts for selective ECO 2 RR. First, the origin of ECO 2 RR intermediate‐dominated selectivity is described. Advanced structural engineering approaches, involving alloy/compound formation, doping/defect introduction, and the use of specific crystal facets/amorphization, heterostructures, single‐atom catalysts, surface modification, and nano‐/microstructures, are then reviewed. In particular, these structural engineering approaches are discussed in association with diversified synthesis controls, and the modulation of intermediate generation, adsorption, reaction, and additional effects. The results pertaining to synthetic methodology‐controlled structural preferences and the correspondingly motivated selectivity are further summarized. Finally, the current opportunities and challenges of Cu catalyst fabrication for highly selective ECO 2 RR are discussed.