Regulation of intermediate microenvironment toward efficient C-C coupling in electrochemical CO2 reduction

Abstract

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) converts greenhouse gas CO2 into valuable chemicals under mild conditions, and is considered to be one promising approach to reach carbon neutralization. However, the efficiency and selectivity towards desired products remain far below the requirement for industrial implementation, as a consequence of complex reaction mechanism and diverse intermediates. Particularly, the C-C coupling step is the key step to ensure a high yeild of value-added multi-carbon products. Herein, we discuss recent developed approach to faciliate C-C coupling step via the rational tuning of local microenvironment around the active sites. First, recent progress and the mechanism of CO2RR are briefly described. Then, representative approaches of catalyst engineering, including tandem catalysis, molecular modification, micro-structure regulation, proton donate, hydrophobicity and electric field effect, are highlighted to enrich or regulate the intermediates. Finally, the persistent technological challenges are summarized and several personal perspectives are provided to propel the industrial application of CO2RR.