Metal Cluster-based Crystalline Materials for the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide
Fanfei Meng, Man Dong, Jingting He, Jianxia Gu, Xiaohui Yao, Chunyi Sun, Xinlong Wang, Zhong‐Min Su
Abstract
Given the increasingly severe global climate change and energy crisis, the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into very valuable chemicals has been proposed as an attractive solution. The electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction reaction (eCO 2 RR) represents a remarkably efficient pathway for reducing CO 2 under mild conditions. Metal cluster-based crystalline materials (MCMs) have garnered significant interest in the area of CO 2 RR because of their elevated concentration of active sites, tunable backbone structures, and excellent stability. These materials enable precise control of metal valence states and charge transfer pathways, offering a variety of reduction pathways for CO 2 RR. Herein, we examine the utilization of MCMs in eCO 2 RR in recent years. We cover the fundamental principles of electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction, the synthesis approaches for these materials, and the connection between structural characteristics and catalytic performance. Additionally, the paper delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by MCMs for enhancing CO 2 RR efficiency and selectivity. Herein, we aim to provide researchers with a new perspective on MCMs in the field of eCO 2 RR, thereby improving understanding of the relationship between structure and performance. Ultimately, this work seeks to advance the technology for eCO 2 RR, contributing significantly to sustainable energy production and the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.