Controlling Selectivity in Electrocatalytic CO <sub>2</sub> Reduction Reaction: Challenges, Advances, and Future Directions
Sujan Sen, Ankur Chanda, Sounak Roy
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction reaction (eCO 2 RR) to value-added chemical feedstocks is one of the most promising approaches to mitigate CO 2 emissions and address climate change. However, due to the low product selectivity, the chemical feedstock produced in eCO 2 RR often results in a mixture of C 1 (CO, HCOOH, HCHO, CH 3 OH, and CH 4 ) and C 2+ (C 2 H 4, C 2 H 5 OH, CH 3 COOH, C 3 H 7 OH, etc.) products along with H 2 from the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This wide product distribution leads to an additional challenge of separating the desired products from the mixture of products obtained and hence increasing production cost. Thus, enhancing product selectivity is crucial for the commercialization of eCO 2 RR. In this review article, we provide a fundamental overview of the electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction reaction and product selectivity from thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives. Moreover, recent strategies adopted by the scientific community to enhance product selectivity are summarized. Finally, key challenges and future perspectives in developing next-generation electrocatalysts for the eCO 2 RR are discussed.