Issue 12, 2019

Current progress of metallic and carbon-based nanostructure catalysts towards the electrochemical reduction of CO2

Abstract

The gradual increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration has led to a series of environmental problems such as global warming; therefore, the large-scale conversion of carbon dioxide is urgent. In this regard, the electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) technology can reduce the greenhouse gas CO2 to low-carbon fuels and economically valuable chemicals, which is a promising method to achieve carbon cycle termination. Catalysts are critical for ECR due to high activation energy requirements and the endothermic nature of the reaction. This review describes the recent advances in the design of nanostructured inorganic catalysts for ECR, strategies to improve the catalytic performance of these catalysts, and particularly the structure–performance relationship of catalysts. After a brief introduction to the background and basic principles of ECR, we have summarized the crucial factors (size, morphology, crystal facets, defects, interface, surface, and oxide derivation) determining the performance of CO2 electroreduction. Finally, we have discussed the methods to improve the reaction efficiency and selectivity of catalysts and introduced the prospects for their future developments.

Graphical abstract: Current progress of metallic and carbon-based nanostructure catalysts towards the electrochemical reduction of CO2

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
29 apr 2019
Accepted
10 jul 2019
First published
15 jul 2019

Inorg. Chem. Front., 2019,6, 3363-3380

Current progress of metallic and carbon-based nanostructure catalysts towards the electrochemical reduction of CO2

L. Hou, J. Yan, L. Takele, Y. Wang, X. Yan and Y. Gao, Inorg. Chem. Front., 2019, 6, 3363 DOI: 10.1039/C9QI00484J

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements