Issue 5, 2024

Acidic CO2 electroreduction for high CO2 utilization: catalysts, electrodes, and electrolyzers

Abstract

The electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reaction (CO2RR) is considered a promising technology for converting atmospheric CO2 into value-added compounds by utilizing renewable energy. The CO2RR has developed in various ways over the past few decades, including product selectivity, current density, and catalytic stability. However, its commercialization is still unsuitable in terms of economic feasibility. One of the major challenges in its commercialization is the low single-pass conversion efficiency (SPCE) of CO2, which is primarily caused by the formation of carbonate (CO32−) in neutral and alkaline electrolytes. Notably, the majority of CO2RRs take place in such media, necessitating significant energy input for CO2 regeneration. Therefore, performing the CO2RR under conditions that minimize CO32− formation to suppress reactant and electrolyte ion loss is regarded an optimal strategy for practical applications. Here, we introduce the recent progress and perspectives in the electrochemical CO2RR in acidic electrolytes, which receives great attention because of the inhibition of CO32− formation. This includes the categories of nanoscale catalytic design, microscale microenvironmental effects, and bulk scale applications in electrolyzers for zero carbon loss reactions. Additionally, we offer insights into the issue of limited catalytic durability, a notable drawback under acidic conditions and propose guidelines for further development of the acidic CO2RR.

Graphical abstract: Acidic CO2 electroreduction for high CO2 utilization: catalysts, electrodes, and electrolyzers

Article information

Article type
Minireview
Submitted
30 Here 2023
Accepted
18 Ker. 2023
First published
19 Ker. 2023

Nanoscale, 2024,16, 2235-2249

Acidic CO2 electroreduction for high CO2 utilization: catalysts, electrodes, and electrolyzers

T. Lee, Y. Lee, J. Eo and D. Nam, Nanoscale, 2024, 16, 2235 DOI: 10.1039/D3NR05480B

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements