Exploring Rational Design of Single-Atom Electrocatalysts for Efficient Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to CO

Abstract

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to value-added products is a remarkable approach for mitigating CO2 emissions caused by the excessive consumption of fossil fuels. However, achieving the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 still faces some bottlenecks, including the large overpotential, undesirable selectivity, and slow electron transfer kinetics. Various electrocatalysts including metals, metals oxides, alloys, and single-atom catalysts have been widely researched to suppress HER performance, reduce overpotential and enhance the selectivity of CO2RR over the last few decades. Among them, single-atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted a great deal of interest because of their advantages over traditional electrocatalysts such as maximized atomic utilization, tunable coordination environments and unique electronic structures. Herein, we discuss the mechanisms involved in the electroreduction of CO2 to carbon monoxide (CO) and the fundamental concepts related to electrocatalysis. Then, we present an overview of recent advances in the design of high-performance noble and non-noble single-atom catalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction.