Electrocatalysis enabled transformation of earth-abundant water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide for a sustainable future

Abstract

The integration of electrochemistry with catalyst systems underscores a major sustainable scheme for the production of fossil-free fuels and valuable chemicals. This undertaking necessitates the need for rational design of electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability for electrochemical conversion. Significant progress has been made in this regard considering the importance of the products in these reaction systems. Hence, this review presents an update of both experimental and theoretical investigations that can offer insights into the design of high-performance electrocatalysts to facilitate the electrochemical conversion of H₂O, N₂ and CO₂ into value added products. We analyse the current status of available electrocatalysts based on a standard set of figures of merit, namely yield rate, faradaic efficiency, overpotential, current density and stability. Then, we constructively compare the different electrocatalysts based on their reaction mechanisms and operation performances by evaluating the catalyst construction, electrolyte utilization and device practicality. Finally, we provide challenges and prospects from the aspects of both theoretical and experimental insights as a general guide to offer potential future directions.