Design of Polymer–Metal Nanocatalyst Interfaces for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reactions

Abstract

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions (eCO2RRs) offer a promising strategy for carbon cycling by converting the greenhouse gas CO2 to value-added chemicals or fuels. Metal nanocatalysts are among the most desirable catalysts for facilitating CO2 activation. However, achieving high activity, selectivity, and long-term stability in these nanocatalysts remains challenging. Surface modification with synthetic polymer ligands offers an alternative route to resolve those challenges in eCO2RR without redesigning nanocatalysts themselves. Most recent studies suggest that polymers not only enhance the stability of metal nanocatalysts but also provide an interfacial microenvironment that improves eCO2RR through multiple mechanisms, including increasing local CO2 concentration, stabilizing intermediates, and suppressing competitive proton reduction. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in eCO2RRs using metal nanocatalysts modified with polymer ligands, including nanocatalysts with hydrophobic, ionic and porous polymers. We also discuss the mechanistic insights underlying polymer-catalyst interactions and their roles in enhancing catalytic performance.