Advances and challenges in understanding the electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to fuels
article
The electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide is a promising approach for storing (excess) renewable electricity as chemical energy in fuels. Here, we review recent advances and challenges in the understanding of electrochemical CO2 reduction. We discuss existing models for the initial activation of CO2 on the electrocatalyst and their importance for understanding selectivity. Carbon–carbon bond formation is also a key mechanistic step in CO2 electroreduction to high-density and high-value fuels. We show that both the initial CO2 activation and C–C bond formation are influenced by an intricate interplay between surface structure (both on the nano- and on the mesoscale), electrolyte effects (pH, buffer strength, ion effects) and mass transport conditions. This complex interplay is currently still far from being completely understood. In addition, we discuss recent progress in in situ spectroscopic techniques and computational techniques for mechanistic work. Finally, we identify some challenges in furthering our understanding of these themes.
Topics
TNO Identifier
869955
ISSN
20587546
Source
Nature Energy, 4(9), pp. 732-745.
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
Collation
14 p.
Place of publication
Weinheim, Germany
Pages
732-745
Files
To receive the publication files, please send an e-mail request to TNO Repository.