Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Ethanol: An Approach to Transforming Greenhouse Gas to Fuel Source
Juan Du, Peng Zhang, Huizhen Liu
Abstract
Abstract Converting carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into high‐value fuels or chemicals is considered as a promising way to utilize CO 2 and alleviate the excessive greenhouse gas emission. Among multiple catalysis approaches, electrochemical reduction of CO 2 to ethanol has an important prospect due to the high energy density and widely applications of ethanol. In recent years, many electrocatalysts for CO 2 reduce reaction (CO 2 RR) have shown promising catalytic activity for ethanol production. In this review, we will introduce the recent progress in this field. The basic principles and electrochemical performances of CO 2 RR are reviewed at first. Then, several categories of active electrocatalysts for CO 2 RR to ethanol are summarized, including the discussion of reaction mechanism and catalytic sites. Finally, several possible strategies are proposed, providing guidance for future design and preparation of high‐performance catalysts.