Open AccessA brief review of electrocatalytic reduction of CO 2 —Materials, reaction conditions, and devices
Author(s) -
Pei Yuhou,
Zhong Heng,
Jin Fangming
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
energy science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.638
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2050-0505
DOI - 10.1002/ese3.935
Subject(s) - electrocatalyst , catalysis , electrochemistry , anode , materials science , reduction (mathematics) , electron transfer , redox , selectivity , nanotechnology , chemistry , photochemistry , inorganic chemistry , electrode , organic chemistry , geometry , mathematics
Global warming caused by the rapid increase in atmospheric CO 2 concentration is regarded as one of the most serious problems faced by human being. Electrochemical CO 2 reduction (ECR) is one promising strategy that can fix CO 2 in a mild and clean manner combined with sustainable energies. However, the ECR performance is highly dependent on the catalysis system because of the difficulty in CO 2 activation, low mass transfer, poor product selectivity, and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The binding strength of electrocatalysts toward carbon intermediates is the crucial factor for ECR performance. Furthermore, the reaction conditions and the configurations of devices are also of significance for ECR efficiencies. Here, we briefly reviewed the effects of electrocatalyst materials, as well as the reaction conditions, coupled anodic reactions, and devices on the ECR. Moreover, challenges and some perspectives for large‐scale applications are included.