Electrochemical CO2 reduction catalyzed by organic/inorganic hybrids

Abstract

Electroreduction of CO₂ into value-added chemicals and fuels utilizing renewable electricity offers a sustainable way to meet the carbon-neutral goal and a viable solution for the storage of intermittent green energy sources. At the core of this technology is the development of electrocatalysts to accelerate the redox kinetics of CO₂ reduction reactions (CO₂RR) toward high targeted-product yield at minimal energy input. This perspective focuses on a unique category of CO₂RR electrocatalysts embodying both inorganic and organic components to synergistically promote the reaction activity, selectivity and stability. First, we summarize recent progress on the design and fabrication of organic/inorganic hybrids CO₂RR electrocatalysts, with special attention to the assembly protocols and structural configurations. We then carry out a comprehensive discussion on the mechanistic understanding of CO₂RR processes tackled jointly by the inorganic and organic phases, with respect to the regulation of mass and charge transport, modification of double-layer configuration, tailoring of intermediates adsorption, and establishment of tandem pathways. At the end, we outline future challenges in the rational design of organic/inorganic hybrids for CO₂RR and further extend the scope to the device level. We hope this work could incentivize more research interests to construct organic/inorganic hybrids for mobilizing electrocatalytic CO₂RR towards industrialization.