Research Progress in Copper-Based Catalysts for CO Reduction

As carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increase and global warming intensifies, research and practical applications in the field of CO2reduction have gained significant prominence in modern society and drawn considerable global attention. Copper-based catalysts exhibit superior electrical conductivity and catalytic performance. Crucially, copper possesses distinctive carbon-carbon coupling capability, enabling the generation of high-value multi-carbon compounds. In the electrochemical CO2reduction reaction system, Cu as a catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity, efficiently driving the CO2electroreduction process and generating various C2+products. This study aims to conduct a review and analysis of the existing literature to summarize the distinct C-C coupling ability inherent to copper-based catalysts, and to synthesize their pivotal roles and underlying reaction mechanisms in the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR). Through this study, a more comprehensive understanding of copper-based catalysts for CO reduction has been achieved. Future work is encouraged to extend and refine this foundation to propel the development and advancement of the field.