Molecular enhancement of Cu-based catalysts for CO2 electroreduction

Abstract

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (eCO₂RR) represents an effective means of achieving renewable energy storage and a supply of carbon-based raw materials. However, there are still great challenges in selectively producing specific hydrocarbon compounds. The unique ability of the copper (Cu) catalyst to promote proton-coupled electron transfer processes offers clear advantages in generating value-added products. This review presents molecular enhancement strategies for Cu-based catalysts for CO₂ electroreduction. We also elucidate the principles of each strategy for enhancing eCO₂RR performance, discuss the structure–activity relationships, and propose some promising molecular enhancement strategies. This review will provide guidance for the development of organic–inorganic hybrid Cu-based catalysts as high-performance CO₂ electroreduction catalysts.