Catalyst Design for Electrochemical Reduction of CO₂ to Multicarbon Products

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Electrochemical reduction of CO₂ (CO₂ RR), driven by renewable energy (such as wind and solar energy), is an effective route toward carbon neutralization. The multicarbon (C₂₊ ) products from CO₂ RR are highly desirable, since they are important fuels, chemicals, and industrial raw materials. However, selective reduction of CO₂ to C₂₊ products is especially challenging, due to low selectivity, poor yield, and high overpotential. Since the performance of CO₂ RR is closely related to the structure and composition of catalysts, which alter the binding energy of intermediates generated in CO₂ RR, it is necessary to study these effects systematically to achieve possible design strategies. Herein, design strategies toward catalysts for CO₂ conversion to C₂₊ products are discussed on the basis of the adjustment of the structure and composition of catalysts, such as morphology control, defect engineering, bimetal, and surface modification. Meanwhile the reaction mechanisms and structure evolution of catalysts during CO₂ RR are focused on in particular. Finally, challenges and perspectives are proposed for further improvement of CO₂ RR technologies.