Progress in regulating electronic structure strategies on Cu-based bimetallic catalysts for CO2 reduction reaction

Abstract

To address the ever-increasing CO 2 concentration problem in the atmospheric air arisen by massive consumption of fossil fuels, electrocatalytic technologies that reduce CO 2 to generate high value-added products have been gaining increasing interest. Cu-based CO 2 reduction catalysts have attracted widespread attention owing to their capability of generating C 1 and C 2+ products. However, Cu-based catalysts are highly challenged by their low product selectivity. Recently, Cu-based bimetallic catalysts have been found the unique catalytical activity and selectivity in CO 2 reduction reactions (CO 2 RR). The incorporation of other metals can change the electronic circumstance of Cu-based catalysts, promoting the adsorption ability of the intermediate products and consequently leading to high selectivity. In this minireview, we intend to summarize recent advances of Cu-based bimetallic catalysts in producing C 1 and C 2+ products, involving designing heterostructure, alloy, defects and surface modification engineering. We pay special attention to the regulation of electronic structure of the composite catalysts, as well as insights into the relationship between electronic property and catalytical performance for Cu-based bimetallic catalysts. This article analyzed the influence of the electronic structure of materials on the catalytic performance. Focusing on the application of four methods of Heterostructure Engineering, Alloy Engineering, Defect design Engineering and Surface modification Engineering to Cu-based bimetallic materials, the advantages of electronic regulation of materials and catalyzing CO 2 to generate high-value chemicals.