Structure‐Function Correlation and Dynamic Restructuring of Cu for Highly Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Conversion. Issue 7 (3rd March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhu, Chenyuan; Zhao, Siwen; Shi, Guoshuai; Zhang, Liming
• Is Part Of: ChemSusChem. Volume 15:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-03-03
• Subjects: CO2 reduction -- dynamic restructuring -- electrocatalysis -- electrochemistry -- structure–function correlation; Green chemistry -- Periodicals; Sustainable engineering -- Periodicals; Chemistry -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202200068
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-5631

Abstract

Abstract: The increasing global demand for sustainable energy sources and emerging environmental issues have pushed the development of energy conversion and storage technologies to the forefront of chemical research. Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2 ) conversion provides an attractive approach to synthesizing fuels and chemical feedstocks using renewable energy. On the path to deploying this technology, basic and applied scientific hurdles remain. Copper, as the only metal catalyst that is capable to produce C2+ fuels from CO2 reduction (CO2 R), still faces challenges in the improvement of electrosynthesis pathways for highly selective fuel production. In this regard, mechanistically understanding CO2 R on Cu‐based electrocatalysts, particularly identifying the structure–function correlation, is crucial. Here, a broad view of the variable structural parameters and their complex interplay in CO2 R catalysis on Cu was given, with the purpose of providing deep insights and guiding the future rational design of CO2 R electrocatalysts. First, this Review described the progress and recent advances in the development of well‐defined nanostructured catalysts and the mechanistic understanding on the influences from a particular structure of a catalyst, such as facet, defects, morphology, oxidation state, composition, and interface. Next, the in‐situ dynamic restructuring of Cu was presented. The importance of operando characterization methods to understand the catalyst structure‐sensitivity was also discussed. Finally, some perspectives on the future outlook for electrochemical CO2 R were offered. Abstract : Structure–function correlation : Identifying the intrinsic product‐specific active sites is crucial for yielding scientific insights and further progressing Cu‐based electrochemical CO2 reduction towards industrial relevance. In this Review, the current efforts on understanding the structure–function correlation of Cu in CO2 reduction are emphasized, and the customized engineering strategies for creating highly efficient Cu‐based electrocatalysts are summarized.