Long-term electrochemical CO2 reduction via electrode regeneration

Abstract

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction (eCO₂RR) offers a direct route to convert waste carbon into fuels and commodity chemicals using renewable electricity, but industrial translation is ultimately constrained by durability under high-rate operation. At practical current densities, performance losses rarely stem from a single failure mode. Instead, catalyst reconstruction and corrosion, impurity-driven poisoning, electrolyte flooding, and carbonate salt precipitation interact to undermine activity, selectivity, and stability. This Feature Article outlines the dominant electrode-level degradation pathways and then critically assesses regeneration strategies that restore performance without replacing electrodes. We review redox-based catalyst reactivation and renewal, hydrophobicity recovery to re-establish stable gas transport pathways, and local-environment reset protocols that dissolve or prevent salt buildup. Together, these approaches reposition regeneration as an integral design standard for long-term CO₂ electrolysis systems compatible with intermittent renewable power.