Advances and challenges in understanding the electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to fuels

Advances and challenges in understanding the electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to fuels

Birdja, Y.Y.
Pérez-Gallent, E.
Figueiredo, M.C.
Göttle, A.J.
Calle-Vallejo, F.
Koper, M.T.M.

2019

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.

Chemical activation
Chemical bonds
Electrocatalysts
Electrolytes
Electrolytic reduction
Fuels
Surface structure
Activation of CO2
Computational technique
Electro reduction
Electrocatalytic reduction
Electrolyte effect
In-situ spectroscopic techniques
Renewable electricity
Carbon dioxide

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:916d7eca-d44f-4190-bc98-30cdc4e2f9ec

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-019-0450-y

869955

Nature Publishing Group, Weinheim, Germany

2058-7546

Nature Energy, 4 (4), 732-745

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