Advancing C–C coupling of the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction for C2+ products

Abstract

The production of multicarbon (C₂₊) products through the electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is crucial to addressing global environmental challenges and advancing sustainable energy solutions. However, efficiently producing these high-value chemicals via C–C coupling reactions is a significant challenge. This requires catalysts with optimized surface configurations and electronic properties capable of breaking the scaling relations among various intermediates. In this report, we introduce the fundamentals of electrocatalytic CO₂RR and the mechanism of C–C coupling. We examine the effects of catalytic surface interactions with key intermediates and reaction pathways and discuss emerging strategies for enhancing C–C coupling reactions toward C₂₊ products. Despite the varieties of these strategies, we summarize direct clues for the proper design of the catalyst for the electrocatalytic CO₂RR towards C₂₊ products, aiming to provide valuable insights to broad readers in the field.