Nanostructure Engineering of Sn‐Based Catalysts for Efficient Electrochemical CO<sub>2</sub> Reduction
Tiyao Ren, Zhengpei Miao, Lu Ren, Huan Xie, Qing Li, Changlei Xia
Abstract
Abstract Excessive anthropogenic CO 2 emission has caused a series of ecological and environmental issues, which threatens mankind's sustainable development. Mimicking the natural photosynthesis process (i.e., artificial photosynthesis) by electrochemically converting CO 2 into value‐added products is a promising way to alleviate CO 2 emission and relieve the dependence on fossil fuels. Recently, Sn‐based catalysts have attracted increasing research attentions due to the merits of low price, abundance, non‐toxicity, and environmental benignancy. In this review, the paradigm of nanostructure engineering for efficient electrochemical CO 2 reduction (ECO 2 R) on Sn‐based catalysts is systematically summarized. First, the nanostructure engineering of size, composition, atomic structure, morphology, defect, surficial modification, catalyst/substrate interface, and single‐atom structure, are systematically discussed. The influence of nanostructure engineering on the electronic structure and adsorption property of intermediates, as well as the performance of Sn‐based catalysts for ECO 2 R are highlighted. Second, the potential chemical state changes and the role of surface hydroxides on Sn‐based catalysts during ECO 2 R are introduced. Third, the challenges and opportunities of Sn‐based catalysts for ECO 2 R are proposed. It is expected that this review inspires the further development of highly efficient Sn‐based catalysts, meanwhile offer protocols for the investigation of Sn‐based catalysts.