Catalysts for selective CO2/CO electroreduction to C3+ compounds

Abstract

Electroreduction of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide to organic compounds is considered a promising way for (i) exploring a source of carbon alternative to fossil carbon; (ii) storing electrical energy as stable chemical energy; and (iii) producing useful e-chemicals and e-fuels for the chemical industry. While it is generally considered that only Cu-based catalysts facilitate the formation of multicarbon compounds, which are mainly limited to ethylene and ethanol, recent studies have challenged this assumption. In this review, we provide exhaustive, structural and mechanistic analyses of the solid materials that have been reported as catalysts for electroreduction of CO₂ and CO to more complex molecules. This review elucidates that besides copper, metals such as nickel, iron and molybdenum have the potential to favor C–C coupling reactions to form important molecules in the chemical industry, such as propane, propanol, and butanol, along with offering substantial faradaic efficiencies. Thus, this review offers fresh perspectives on CO₂R and COR.