Effects of the delocalization state on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction: a mini-review

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is a way to alleviate environmental pollution and realize carbon recycling, which converts CO₂ into value-added chemicals and fuels. Recently, the delocalization state regulation of catalysts has emerged as an effective method to evaluate the catalytic performance in CO₂RR. The delocalization state of catalysts has been found to promote the stability and selectivity of CO₂RR, which is essentially based on enhancing the electron conductivity of catalysts or regulating the adsorption of intermediates. In this mini-review, we first discuss how the delocalization state of catalysts affects their catalytic properties. Then, we summarize recent progress on the subject in two parts: stability and selectivity of CO₂RR. In particular, we have emphasized the selectivity part, breaking it into two components: hydrogen adsorption and CO₂RR intermediates. Finally, we conclude the review with some observations by outlining the challenges and presenting our viewpoints on the future research directions in this field.