Recent advances of bismuth-based electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction: Strategies, mechanism and applications

Abstract

Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR), driven by clean electric energy such as solar and wind, can not only alleviate environmental greenhouse effect stemming from excessive CO₂ emissions, but also realize the storage of renewable energy, for it guarantees the production of value-added chemicals and fuels. Among CO₂RR products, formic acid shows great advantages in low energy consumption and high added-value, and thus producing formic acid is generally considered as a profitable line for CO₂RR. Bismuth-based electrocatalysts exhibit high formic acid selectivity in CO₂RR. Herein, we review the recent progress in bismuth-based electrocatalysts for CO₂RR, including material synthesis, performance optimization/validation, and electrolyzers. The effects of morphologies, structure, and composition of bismuth-based electrocatalysts on CO₂RR performance are highlighted. Simultaneously, in situ spectroscopic characterization and DFT calculations for reaction mechanism of CO₂RR on Bi-based catalysts are emphasized. The applications and optimization of electrolyzers with high current density for CO₂RR are summarized. Finally, conclusions and future directions in this field are prospected.