Cu-based bimetallic electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction

Abstract

The extensive consumption of fossil fuels has caused the rapid increase in the CO 2 level in the atmosphere, forcing people to find a clean and efficient technology of CO 2 conversion to alleviate CO 2 emissions and develop value-added products. Among various CO 2 conversion systems, electroreduction of CO 2 to value-added chemicals is a feasible way for practical applications. Copper, the only metal that can catalyze CO 2 reduction to multi-carbon products, has attracted the most attention among various catalysts. However, slow reaction kinetics, low product selectivity, as well as poor stability are the main drawbacks of single metallic Cu-based catalysts. Such issues can be addressed by introducing second metal in Cu-based catalysts. Here, we summarize the recent progress relating to the Cu-based bimetallic electrocatalysts for CO 2 reduction, and discuss the composition and structure effects on the activity and selectivity of electrochemical CO 2 reduction. Last, we outline the challenges and perspectives on electrocatalysts for this field. We expect that this review can provide new insights into the further development of Cu-based bimetallic electrocatalysts for CO 2 reduction.