Metal-related electrocatalysts for Li–CO2 batteries: an overview of the fundamentals to explore future-oriented strategies

Abstract

In the context of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, the recovery and utilization of clean CO₂ in energy storage systems have attracted significant attention from researchers. Recently, Li–CO₂ batteries, that utilize CO₂ as the cathode material, have been proposed to improve the economics of CO₂ capture and reduce the accumulation of CO₂, which can be applied to address problems with the operating environment. However, as an emerging research direction, this Li–CO₂ battery system still faces many difficulties that require to be overcome, such as poor reversibility, low energy efficiency, and high overpotential, which are caused by poor electrochemical reaction kinetics. Therefore, designing and developing catalysts for Li–CO₂ batteries with excellent catalytic activity and stability is pivotal in settling the above problems. In this review, the reduction and oxidation mechanisms of Li–O₂/CO₂ and Li–CO₂ batteries are introduced first. Next, a comprehensive and exhaustive review is provided to discuss the cutting-edge design strategies of materials and structures of metal-based electrocatalysts oriented by Li–CO₂ batteries. Finally, based on the research progress of advanced Li–CO₂ batteries in the past few years, the opportunities and challenges for the future development of Li–CO₂ batteries are highlighted.