Converting CO2 into Value-Added Products by Cu2 O-Based Catalysts: From Photocatalysis, Electrocatalysis to Photoelectrocatalysis.

Abstract

Converting CO2 into value-added products by photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalysis is a promising method to alleviate the global environmental problems and energy crisis. Among the semiconductor materials applied in CO2 catalytic reduction, Cu2 O has the advantages of abundant reserves, low price and environmental friendliness. Moreover, Cu2 O has unique adsorption and activation properties for CO2 , which is conducive to the generation of C2+ products through CC coupling. This review introduces the basic principles of CO2 reduction and summarizes the pathways for the generation of C1 , C2 , and C2+ products. The factors affecting CO2 reduction performance are further discussed from the perspective of the reaction environment, medium, and novel reactor design. Then, the properties of Cu2 O-based catalysts in CO2 reduction are summarized and several optimization strategies to enhance their stability and redox capacity are discussed. Subsequently, the application of Cu2 O-based catalysts in photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and photoelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction is described. Finally, the opportunities, challenges and several research directions of Cu2 O-based catalysts in the field of CO2 catalytic reduction are presented, which is guidance for its wide application in the energy and environmental fields is provided.