Recent advances in copper nitride for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) offers a promising pathway for converting CO 2 into valuable fuels and chemicals via renewable electricity, representing an essential approach toward achieving carbon neutrality. Copper nitride (Cu 3 N) has emerged as a notable electrocatalyst in this field, demonstrating distinct properties arising from its unique electronic structure and coordination environment. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of the recent advancements in Cu 3 N-based catalysts for CO 2 RR. First, the fundamental reaction mechanisms are elucidated. Then, a range of synthesis methods is introduced along with their impact on catalyst morphology and electrocatalytic performance. A significant portion of this review is dedicated to discussing advanced modification strategies, including elemental doping, heterostructure engineering, and surface functionalization. Finally, the key challenges are discussed, and future research directions are proposed, with an emphasis on the precise regulation of active sites, the application of in - situ characterization, and the exploration of device-level integrations to advance the practical deployment of such catalytic systems.