Selective CO2 reduction towards a single upgraded product: a minireview on multi-elemental copper-free electrocatalysts

Abstract

Electrocatalytic conversion of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to liquid fuels or upgraded chemicals is a critical strategy to mitigate anthropogenic climate change. Selectivity for one product at high activity and stability is the main obstacle for economic viability as a successor technology. We highlight the key challenges in CO₂ reduction electrocatalysis, review quantitative performance data of metal-containing multi-elemental copper-free materials, and outline observed trends, with the aim to accelerate the development of advanced, high-performance CO₂ reduction catalysts.