This review demonstrates the unique mechanisms of dual-atom catalysts in CO2 reduction, suggesting improved electrocatalytic activity.
Atomically dispersed catalysts have opened new frontiers in electrocatalysis by maximizing metal atom utilization and enabling precisely defined active sites with dual‐atom catalysts (DACs) standing out for their distinctive capacity to facilitate complex multi‐electron, multi‐step transformations, such as the electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR). The cooperative interplay between two adjacent metal centers in DACs orchestrates a symphonic interaction, conferring dynamic roles in activating reactants, stabilizing reaction intermediates, and steering reaction pathways, thereby enhancing both catalytic activity and product selectivity. This review presents a focused investigation of DAC‐mediated CO 2 RR, categorizing their mechanistic functions into five representative paradigms: electronic promotion, synergistic bifunctionality, relay catalysis, intermediate coupling, and selective competition. By elucidating these mechanisms with illustrative examples, we establish clear structure–activity–selectivity correlations and underscore the unique catalytic versatility afforded by dual‐site interactions. We also highlight critical challenges and emerging opportunities in DAC development, spanning precision synthesis, advanced characterization, mechanistic elucidation, and practical deployment, with the aim of inspiring the rational advancement of future CO 2 RR catalysts.
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Chen et al. (2025) studied this question.
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