Regulation Strategies of Silver-Based Catalysts for the Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

Abstract

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO (CO₂RR) represents a promising route for energy structure transformation and carbon-neutral fuel production. Owing to their favorable CO2RR performance, Ag-based catalysts have been extensively investigated as promising candidates for CO2-to-CO conversion. Nevertheless, achieving high energy efficiency, large current densities, and long-term operational stability remains challenging. This review summarizes the fundamental reaction mechanisms of CO2RR on Ag-based catalysts, with particular emphasis on the formation of *COOH as the rate-determining step and the role of *CO adsorption in governing activity and stability. Recent advances in Ag-based catalysts are comprehensively reviewed from a mechanistic perspective, covering regulation strategies such as morphology engineering, non-metal doping, and metal alloying. Special attention is given to Ag–Ni systems, which exhibit pronounced synergistic effects in modulating CO2 activation and CO desorption. Finally, design principles and future research directions toward simultaneously enhancing activity and stability of Ag-based CO2RR catalysts are discussed.