CO₂ Electroreduction over Metallic Oxide, Carbon-Based, and Molecular Catalysts: A Mini-Review of the Current Advances

Abstract

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is one of the most challenging targets of current energy research. Multi-electron reduction with proton-coupled reactions is more thermodynamically favorable, leading to diverse product distribution. This requires the design of stable electroactive materials having selective product generation and low overpotentials. In this review, we have explored different CO2RR electrocatalysts in the gas phase and H-cell configurations. Five groups of electrocatalysts ranging from metals and metal oxide, single atom, carbon-based, porphyrins, covalent, metal–organic frameworks, and phthalocyanines-based electrocatalysts have been reviewed. Finally, conclusions and prospects have been elaborated.

Keywords

• electrocatalysis
• CO₂ reduction
• molecular electrocatalysts
• CO₂ conversion