Copper-based bimetallic electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction: From mechanism understandings to product regulations

Abstract

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is a promising method to solve current environment and energy issues. Copper-based catalysts have been widely studied for converting CO₂ into value-added hydrocarbon products. Cu monometallic catalyst has been proved to have some shortcomings, including relatively high energy barriers and diverse reaction pathways, leading to low reaction activities and poor product selectivity, respectively. Recently copper-based bimetallic tandem catalysts have attracted extensive attentions due to their special catalyst structure, which can be easily regulated to achieve high CO₂RR reactivity and product selectivity. With the development of quantum chemistry calculations and spectroscopic characterization methods, deep understandings of CO₂RR from the mechanism perspective provide a broad horizon for the design of efficient catalysts. This review offers a good summary of reaction mechanisms and product regulation strategies over copper-based bimetallic catalysts, along with a brief discussion on future directions towards their practical applications.