Electronic delocalization engineering of bismuth-based materials for catalytic electrochemical CO2 and N2 conversion

Abstract

With the emerging global environmental and energy issues, a green approach for the synthesis of value-added materials via the electrochemical catalytic reduction reaction of CO₂ and N₂ is an important challenge in sustainable development. However, catalytic selectivity, including product selectivity, charge efficiency and effective reaction rates, is a major barrier to application. Recently, bismuth-based materials have achieved promising progress in the electrocatalytic conversion of CO₂ and N₂, and electronic delocalization engineering is efficient for the fine modulation of crucial intermediates for product selectivity and catalytic kinetics. This review focuses on the electronic delocalization engineering of bismuth-based materials for the electrocatalytic CO₂ and N₂ reduction reaction. The strategies to improve catalytic performance, including facet engineering, alloying, interface engineering, defect/vacancy engineering, doping, and atomic engineering, with respect to each field are highlighted. Future development perspectives of Bi-based materials and related application are discussed to expand the research exploration.