Nanostructured Copper‐Based Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction

Abstract The continuous increase of CO 2 concentration in the atmosphere has been imposing an imminent threat for global climate change and environmental hazards. In recent years, the electrochemical or photochemical conversion of CO 2 into value‐added chemicals or fuels has received significant attention, as it may enable an attractive means to mitigate the atmospheric CO 2 concentration and complete the imbalanced carbon‐neutral energy cycle, as well as create renewable energy resources for human use. Among the different electrocatalysts being studied, Cu‐based materials have been demonstrated as the only category of candidates that allows the conversion of CO 2 into a variety of reducing products, including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and alcohols. Herein, the reaction pathways for different Cu‐based catalysts for C 1 and C 2+ products are introduced. Then, different parameters in tuning Cu‐based electrocatalysts are summarized and discussed, including the morphologies, compositions, crystal facets, and oxide derivation. In addition, various types of parameters for CO 2 electroreduction are also described, particularly the option of electrolytes such as aqueous, ionic liquids, and organic solutions. Finally, the current challenges are discussed and the potential strategies to facilitate the future development of CO 2 electroreduction are summarized.