Copper-based catalysts for carbon monoxide electroreduction to multicarbon products

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction (ECO₂R) is an attractive pathway to store carbon and renewable energy as chemical bonds in multi-carbon products. However, the complex multi-step reaction processes set huge obstacles for the direct conversion of CO₂ to C₂₊ products. A strategy that uses carbon monoxide (CO) as a “transfer station” to produce C₂₊ at improved selectivity and reaction rates via the tandem ECO₂R to CO and electrochemical CO reduction (ECOR) has attracted a lot attention. In this review, we focus on the design strategy of Cu-based electrocatalysts toward the formation of specific C₂₊ products in ECOR. Representative design strategies for catalysts engineering are summarized in various aspects, and the most recent research in the improvement of electrolysis reactor is included. Finally, the main challenges and the future prospects in this research field are expounded. These insights and perspectives offer meaningful guidance for designing Cu-based electrocatalytic system with enhanced C₂₊ product selectivity.