Nanostructured Materials for Heterogeneous Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction and their Related Reaction Mechanisms

Abstract

The gradually increased concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) in the atmosphere has been recognized as the primary culprit for the rise of the global mean temperature. In recent years, development of routes for highly efficient conversion of CO₂ has received much attention. This Review describes recent progress on the design and synthesis of solid-state catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ . The significance of this catalytic conversion is presented, followed by the general parameters for CO₂ electroreduction and a summary of the reaction apparatus. We also discuss various types of solid catalysts based on their CO₂ conversion mechanisms. We summarize the crucial factors (particle size, surface structure, composition, etc.) determining the performance for electroreduction.

Keywords: CO2 conversion; electrochemistry; heterogeneous catalysis; nanostructured materials; reaction mechanisms.